Michael Francis Wadlow, “The Pepper Man,” 61, of Slippery Rock passed away Thursday at his home following a brief illness.

He was the son of William Francis Wadlow and Helen Agnes Brugas Wadlow.

Mike graduated in 1968 from North Allegheny High School in McCandless. He was quite active in further education as it related to his vocation as a merchant seaman. He was a fire school instructor and trained as an oil wiper and in desalinization.

Mike was a voracious reader, and he spent enumerable hours in his garden. As a river man and merchant seaman he traveled the world gathering anecdotes and stories with which he regaled his friends. He was very knowledgeable about different wines, enjoyed engineering things and was a fair artist in his time.

Survivors include a sister, Kathleen “Kathi” D. (Frank) Schorr of Lawrenceville, Ga.; a brother, Timothy M. Wadlow of Pittsburgh; two nephews, Ian Joseph (Jenny) Schorr of Stone Mountain, Ga., and Ryan William (Amy) Schorr of Marietta, Ga.; and a great-nephew, Evan Alexander Schorr.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

<B>WADLOW</B> — A memorial service for Michael Francis Wadlow, “The Pepper Man,” who died Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011, will be observed at a time and place to be announced later.Arrangements are under the direction of <B>Smith Funeral Home</B>, Slippery Rock.