Michael Edward Cecil, of Rumson and Woodstock, Vermont, passed away unexpectedly July 10, 2026. Born Dec. 26, 1970, in Long Branch, he was the son of Karen and Charlie Cecil.
Michael attended Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School and graduated from Gettysburg College with a Bachelor of Science in finance and economics. He built a career as a financial advisor and senior portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Morristown.
He had a deep passion for mountain biking and skiing, enjoying rides and runs with close friends and family in and around Woodstock, as well as yearly ski adventures out west.
Michael was known for his generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand or a farmhouse. He was also passionate about basketball throughout his life, starting with supporting Duke University, his father’s alma mater, and continuing to participate in the Rumson Men’s Basketball League and run the Mid Monmouth Basketball League.
He loved Cherry Garcia ice cream, very specific candy (peanut M&Ms, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Toblerone), and good beer. He was a finalist in the family Hot Ones Wings Challenge every Christmas. He could always be found in some sort of perfectly curated outfit with the exact right gear at all times, calling out to see what “you knuckleheads” were doing.
His laugh was more of a chuckle of surprise, as if he could never quite believe how silly the rest of the family were.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, Charles Cecil, in 2008. He is survived by his children, Carter, Morgan and Paige Cecil; his mother Karen Cecil; and his brother Matthew and his wife Ami and their children, Max and Sam Cecil. He is also survived by many close, adoring and loving cousins from New Jersey, Colorado, New York City, Maine, Florida and California.
A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at 4 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Seabright Beach Club in Sea Bright, and at 4 p.m. Aug. 15 at the farmhouse in Woodstock, Vermont.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to The Woodstock Area Mountain Bike Association, P.O. Box 291, Woodstock, VT 05091.
The article originally appeared in the July 30 – August 5, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
