age 79, of Parma Heights, went home to be with his friend Jesus on August 26, 2025. Survived by Alice, his beloved wife of 57 years; their children Dustin (Terry Murray), Dan (Maria), Darin (April), and Dot Samsi (Sid); grandchildren Seth, Uma, Maddie, Isaac, Ari, and Michael; sisters-in-law Charlotte and Phyllis. Preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Jeanette and brothers Tom and Kevin. As a dear friend, family member, neighbor, teacher, colleague or brother in Christ, he was known by many names. He was affectionately called Michael, Uncle Michael, Samuel, Sam, Butch, Dad, Daddy, Papa, Grandpa, Oompa, Ramser and Brother.

Born on January 17, 1946, Michael spent his early years in Chesterland, Ohio. When he was in middle school, the family moved to Brook Park and began attending Brook Park Community Church of the Brethren. He graduated from Berea High School’s work-study program in 1965. He worked for Montgomery Ward and later for CTS before beginning his career as an electrician. He spent many years as an electrician for local contractors and, at one point, had his own business. He was a state electrical and fire alarm inspector, taught apprenticeship classes and did project management for several contractors. Following his retirement from IBEW Local 38, he enjoyed updating electrical drawings for local companies and honed his woodworking skills to make gifts for friends and family.

After marrying his sweetheart, Alice, in 1968, the couple bought a house in Brook Park and began their family, which grew to include four children. They moved the family to Brunswick Hills to have more space for the kids. Michael purchased a tractor, put in a garden, got the kids a few farm animals and even built a covered bridge over the creek in the backyard. He and Alice continued as faithful members of Brook Park Community Church and enjoyed hosting church picnics and family gatherings in their new home. Their love and commitment to each other along with their faith in God helped them to get through multiple floods, a major fire and serious illness. They traveled the world together over the years and also enjoyed attending local plays, concerts and their grandchildren’s activities.

His faith was the rock upon which he built his life. He read his Bible every morning and read devotionals with Alice in the evening. He was actively involved with his church family and was committed to caring for others.  Through the years, he served the church as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, youth leader and board member.  He led a men’s Bible Study through this summer. Even as his health deteriorated, he found ways to give back.  He supported Audrey’s Outreach, a food pantry in Brook Park, by picking up food donations, dropping off groceries to those in need, printing signs and organizing spreadsheets. He also drove patients to their appointments as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society.

Michael loved his family dearly and spent time with them regularly. Family gatherings included lots of laughter, and there was always an extra seat at the table with more than enough food to go around. He was proud of his children and enjoyed being with them and their families, often using his skills to assist them with their home projects. Being a grandpa was one of his greatest joys and he loved watching his grandchildren grow. Always a kid at heart, he connected easily with the youngest ones in the family, his smile lighting up as he made time for a game or a silly song. He was a caring, deep-thinking man with a playful spirit.

The family will have calling hours on Thursday, September 4 from 6-8 pm at Humenik Funeral Chapel (14200 Snow Road Brook Park, 44142). Additional calling hours will be on Friday September 5 from 10 am-12 pm at Brook Park Community Church (16845 Holland Rd, Brook Park, 44142), followed by a celebration of life service beginning at 12 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to Audrey’s Outreach 16845 Holland Road Brook Park, OH 44142 (www.audreysoutreach.org), American Heart Association (www.heart.org), or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).