Michael David Loper, born and raised in Cape May, New Jersey, passed away on February 3, 2026, leaving behind a town that will never quite be the same without him.

To many, Captain Michael was a legend - the best commercial fisherman Cape May ever knew. To his children, he was simply Dad: the man who could work harder than anyone, love deeper than most, and still find time to surf, travel, laugh, and remind us how beautiful life was. Everyone who met him loved him, and if you spent more than five minutes with him, chances are he’d offer you help, advice, or the shirt off his back. Some of Dad’s favorite words will stay with us forever — his joyful “Awesome,” his constant “Love you,” and his gentle reminder whenever life felt uncertain: “You’re never lost, you’re always somewhere.” That was him - always positive, always grounding us, always teaching us without even trying. Michael lived for the outdoors. Whether he was out on the water before sunrise, catching waves, traveling somewhere new, or just working - which he truly loved - he was happiest when he was moving, building, and providing. He believed in showing up, working hard, and taking care of people. And he did that every single day.

He was preceded in death by his father, Irvin (Dick) Loper, and his brother Richard (Dicky) Loper, who we know welcomed him home with open arms. He leaves behind a family who adored him: first and foremost, his three children who are the absolute pride of his life, his oldest son Michael, his middle daughter Hannah, and Lilli his youngest. Michael loved all his children endlessly and equally. His daughter-in-law Tarra, married to Michael, and his son-in-law Paul married to Lilli, both of whom he loved like his own. And nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren: Gavin, Weston, Layla, and Michaela, who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his mother, Elizabeth Loper, and his sister, Andrea (Loper) McVay whom he loved deeply.

During his illness, he showed the same strength and grace that defined his life. He fought hard, stayed humble, and continued loving fiercely right until the end. More than anything, Michael was a good man. A generous man. A man who made people feel seen, supported, and loved. His legacy lives on not just in the fishing community that admired him, but in the countless lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and big heart.

Please join family and friends for Visitation at 10AM February 9th and Funeral Services at 11AM at Evoy Funeral Homes, Inc. at 3218 Bayshore Rd, North Cape May, NJ 08204. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Cape May lost a legend.

We lost our hero.

Rest easy, Dad. The tides are calm, the waves are perfect, and we know you’re smiling, probably saying, “Awesome.”

Love you always. ❤️