Michael Barash, 78, U.S. Navy Veteran

Michael was born in Akron, OH on August 17th, 1944, to Alex and Ann Barash (nee Martin) With older brother Daniel Barash, Michael grew up and attended school in Lorain, OH.

A proud member of the first graduating class of Admiral King High School, Michael attended The Ohio State University, before serving in the U.S. Navy as an air traffic controller. After spending eight years as a controller for the F.A.A, Michael worked for and retired from the U.S. Post Office in 2004, recognized for 29 years of federal service.

Michael is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gloria Barash (nee Cruzado), his three sons, Beau Barash, Ryan Barash, Brendon Barash, his grandsons Simon and Salem, and his children-in-law Heather, Scott and Hilary. He will be missed by many others, including his extended family and friends.

Golf was the family sport growing up. Michael played in and won many golf tournaments with his father Alex and brother Dan, all three being excellent players. Trophies and plaques lined the shelves at his parents’ house. Family gatherings were incomplete without a golf tournament on the television. Practice makes perfect. Golf is a life lesson.

Michael met his wife Gloria in 1970. They were married in 1972, and by 1979 had three sons. Raising three boys included exciting camping trips with family friends, parties, and sporting events. Clubhouses, baseball gloves under mattresses, and a basketball hoop in the driveway.

Large family gatherings for the holidays. Michael loved to see his extended family, his uncle Fritz and aunt Ann, his cousins Michael and Kathy. Gloria’s brothers and sisters made him brother-in-law to many, and ‘Uncle Mike’ to many more. Many wonderful people enhanced their 50 years of marriage. There were ups, downs, good times, bad times. Through it all, Gloria was his unwavering partner, his strength when he had none left, and the love of his life. “The boys.” Michael was always very proud of his sons. They were always the greatest source of joy for him, and when dad became grandpa, so were his grandsons. All his advice and love along the way will remain with them forever. Running to first base after ball four isn’t just about baseball. We will miss you dad.

Every November has a fateful Saturday. Ohio State plays a lot of games, but this is the only one that matters. In Michael’s house, the day of the Ohio State vs Michigan game began early, and loudly, when the needle on the turntable hit the Ohio State University Marching Band album. A narrated introduction to each instrument of the largest all brass band in the world is what woke the kids that morning, and by the time they made it downstairs in their Ohio State tee-shirts, all three boys were happily singing along to Hang on Sloopy. Cars lined the median of Tower Boulevard as gametime drew near. There was yelling and screaming. Cheering. Hats were thrown, hugs were given. Nobody celebrated that day quite like Michael did. So, on behalf of Michael to you all, one last O-H!

Visitation will be Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 1:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Reverend Craig M. Hovanec, Pastor of St. Peter Parish will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

Throughout his life, Michael maintained a strong ecological conscience and supported numerous environmental causes. Contributions in his memory are encouraged to a charity of the donor's choice with a similar mission.