Michael G Petryshyn

Michael Petryshyn, 78, passed away Friday, September 12, 2025.  He was born in Cleveland on April 16, 1947 to Helen and Michael Petryshyn, hard working and dedicated people who were proud of their Ukrainian heritage and instilled in him the value of family. He was a student at Lincoln High School, then went to the College of Wooster for his undergraduate degree, where he played baseball. He attended Cleveland State University for his Master's.

Because one of Michael's strongest beliefs was in the power of education, his early career was teaching history in the Cleveland Public School System. He went on to use his Master's in Education Administration to become an assistant principal. Because he was always looking for the next challenge, his career soon branched out into the old Central Market, and working as a sauerkraut salesman. Eventually this evolved into owning the Sheriff Street Saloon, and several years later the nightclub in North Royalton named Relations. When it was time to step away from the food and beverage industry, Michael became a government employee with Cuyahoga County, but kept one foot in the hospitality industry by bartending at places like Theo's and Johnny's. Because he had a hard time sitting still, he also worked at Dillard's as a loss prevention specialist.

Michael was a member of several societies, including Laurel Lodge #657, which later merged with O.N. Steele Lodge #621 to become John W. Barkley Lodge #621, the Parma Shrine Club, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, the Al Sirat Grotto, and the Royal Arch Masons.

Michael was known by a few names: Mike, Dad, Papa, and Bear being a few of them. However you knew him, you knew him as a man whose interests and hobbies were varied and numerous. He loved baseball and followed the Cleveland Indians religiously. He loved golf and NCAA basketball. How did he manage to follow all these sports? By also being a tv channel flipper of Olympic speed. He had a passion for classic cars and was a long time member of the Cadillac LeSalle club. He had an equal passion for trains and model railroads. He enjoyed wine and wine tasting. He loved theatre, particularly The Phantom of the Opera, and would often travel to see shows in Toronto. He loved hunting for a bargain, and was ferocious about it. It's possible that Dillard's ended free shipping for their employees because Michael was a little too good at finding deals. What people might remember most was his absolute dedication to Christmas and all things related to the holiday season.

Christmas really let us see what was special about Michael. He was generous to a fault, a consummate host, a skilled cook, and the best Secret Santa any office or workplace could hope for. His decorations, like his personality, were larger than life. He was never happier than when he could fill his home with his loved ones, family and friends alike; and like all good Ukrainian hosts, feed them. His dream was to have a train car out back, decorated for Christmas and set up as a wine tasting room, so he could enjoy the season year round.

Michael had a heart of gold, unable to turn away a stray cat his whole life. He was a loving husband to Marcy, and cherished the life that they built together. He doted on his children and grandchildren, celebrating their achievements at any opportunity. He looked forward the the next photo, the next phone call, the next text message, and the next gathering with the family he created, and who loved him dearly. He will be missed.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Marcy; children, Jessica Petryshyn (Chris Harris), Michael Petryshyn Jr., Victoria Petryshyn, and Lisa Lapp.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Helen Petryshyn; brother, Nestor Petryshyn, and son-in-law, Tom Lapp.

The family will receive friends at Busch Funeral Home, 7501 Ridge Road, Parma, on Saturday, September 20, from 1:00 pm to 2:00.  A Masonic service will take place at 2:00 pm, followed by a traditional funeral service.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike's name to Shriner's Children's Hospitals.

Bollinger Funeral Services is honored to be assisting the family at this time.