Michael Weatherly is mourning the loss of his father, Michael Manning Weatherly, Sr., who passed away last week. The NCIS actor shared the heartbreaking news on social media Tuesday, posting a heartfelt tribute alongside a throwback photo of himself and his dad.
“My father, Michael Manning Weatherly, passed away last Thursday, leaving behind many loved ones who will miss him,” the 56-year-old wrote. “A great friend to me in my adult years, Dad led a life of adventure and great humor. He brought the Swiss Army Knife to huge success in the 70s and 80s along with my mom. If you ever used one, I know he’d thank you.”
Weatherly then penned a detailed obituary, celebrating his father’s remarkable life. Born in 1932 to Gladys Manning and Robert Stone Weatherly, Michael Manning Sr. attended St. Louis Country Day and Princeton University before serving as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1958.
His career spanned various industries, from advertising to oil exploration and lumber imports, but his greatest achievement was with The Forschner Group, where he successfully brought the Swiss Army Knife to prominence in the U.S. during the 1970s and 80s.
He was a devoted husband to his wife of nearly 40 years, Ellis, and a loving father to Elizabeth, Leigh, Michael, and the late William. He also leaves behind stepchildren Chris, Lisa, Cornelia, and the late Nan, as well as his first wife, Eloise, and his second wife, Patricia. He is survived by 12 grandchildren.
Mike spent many happy years at his home in Tryall, Jamaica, often enjoying a cigar and storytelling with friends. When asked in recent years if there was anything left he wanted to do, he replied with a twinkle in his eye, “I’ve done it all.” Weatherly concluded his tribute by saying, “May he rest in peace.”
Fans quickly flooded the comments section with condolences, with many expressing their sympathy and admiration for his father’s adventurous life.
While Michael typically keeps his personal life private, he occasionally shares glimpses into his family life with his wife, Bojana Jankovic, and their two children, Olivia and Liam. In February, he posted a beautiful photo of the three of them enjoying a winter sunset, captioned, “Welcoming the beauty of a winter’s evening and enjoying the love!”
