Michael J Balchak

Mass of Christian Burial for Michael J. Balchak age 82 (Wickliffe) will be held Monday, November 29 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 1730 Mt. Carmel Dr, Wickliffe. Family and friends are asked to meet at the church.

Born in Lemont Furnace, PA, Mike moved to the Cleveland area after being discharged from the US Navy in 1959, eventually settling in Wickliffe with his wife of 60 years Kathryn (nee Hidock). He is also survived by his daughter Dr. Sharon K. Balchak (Willoughby), In-laws Michael Hidock (Jane), Patricia Kaufman, Joseph Federowicz and Mary Lou and Arlene Balchak; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mike was formerly employed at Cerro Copper, Caterpillar Inc and Radix Wire. Mike was an active member of the Chagrin River Salmon Club. He retired in 2001 and he and his wife enjoyed doing many things together, including traveling and going to casinos. They also enjoyed cooking and baking together. Mike was an avid sports fan and would watch any type of sports on television. But, his favorite was watching his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike was a Steelers' fan from the time he was a young boy growing up in Pennsylvania. He also was a die hard fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indians. His daughter got him interested in professional hockey and Mike became a Pittsburgh Penguins fan.

Everyone that knew Mike loved him and he will be deeply missed by not only his family, but all the many people who lives he has touched.

He is preceded in death by his parents Mike and Julia and brothers Bernard, Paul and James.

Interment All Souls Cemetery. Friends may call at THE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME, 5236 MAYFIELD RD, LYNDHURST (E OF RICHMOND RD) 2-7 PM SUNDAY.

THE FAMILY ASKS THAT YOU WEAR MASKS.