Michael Bishop, 63, of Upper St. Clair, was surrounded by loved ones when he passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

Michael was born in Pittsburgh, PA on February 21, 1952, to the late Mary and Michael Bishop. He grew up in Carnegie, PA and graduated from Canevin High School in 1970. After high school Michael attended Duquesne University where he received a bachelors of science in music education in 1974 and a masters of science in education in 1980. He worked his way through school, playing gigs on nights and weekends with his band, Silver Sky.

On August 8, 1980, Michael married the love of his life, Bernice Meacci at Duquesne Chapel. Michael and Bernice went on to have three sons: Adam, Nathan and Alex. Michael's sons were his pride and joy.

Professionally Michael served as a music educator, band director, and principal for over 30 years, primarily in the North Hills School District. He was awarded the Teacher of Distinction Award by the Teacher Excellence Foundation in 2002 in recognition of his dedication, perseverance, and commitment to providing his students with a quality education.

Michael was a charismatic and talented musician who played a wide array of instruments, most notably the clarinet and saxophone. Michael was a proud member of the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra and had the honor of playing with the Pittsburgh Symphony on one occasion.

A devout Catholic, Michael was a member of St. Thomas More Parish in Bethel Park. Before then, he served as choir director at St. Ignatius in Carnegie and St. Bonaventure in Glenshaw.

An avid runner and health enthusiast, Michael awoke daily at 4:45 a.m. to embark on a five mile run before work. He was also a gifted woodworker and handy man, focusing his talents evenly between utilitarian home improvements and artistic endeavors.

The consummate family man, Michael was happiest sitting on the back porch of his beautiful home, spending time with his loving wife and three sons. Michael's life ended on a happy note, as he was able to attend the wedding of his eldest son, Adam to Adam's now wife, Christina at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, May 23, 2015. The wedding was planned in just four days in light of Michael's condition, but the ceremony and reception that followed was one of the last beautiful moments in a life filled with so many.

He is survived by his loving wife Bernice (Meacci) Bishop; his three sons, Adam (Christina), Nathan (Jessica Jiang) and Alexander (Kylie Cavanaugh) Bishop; brother of Joan (William) Merz and the late Maureen Bishop; also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends received Thursday 6-8 p.m. and Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the SZAFRANSKI-EBERLEIN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 101 Third St., Carnegie. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas More Church on Saturday at 10 a.m. (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH). Burial in St. Ignatius Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Double Hit Lymphoma Foundation.