Michael J. Ribarich 1946-2020

Michael was born June 11, 1946, in Youngstown, the son of Rudolph and Ann Duritza Ribarich, and lived in Niles most of his life.

He was a 1964 graduate of Niles McKinley High School and was graduated with a degree in civil engineering in 1968 from Tri State College in Angola, Ind. (now Trine University).

Mike worked as a civil engineer at the Ohio Department of Transportation for more than 30 years. He oversaw the construction and improvement of many local roads and bridges that area residents regularly use, including the Market Street bridge, state Route 82 and local portions of Interstate 80. He retired in 1996 and enjoyed traveling.

His favorite times were family vacations spent with his wife and his son, often accompanied by his niece and nephews Lindsey, Dan and Matt, their parents, David and Karen Freel, and his mother-in-law, Ruth Freel.

Mike inherited skills and a love of woodworking from his cabinetmaker father and was an avid fan of old-time radio and cowboy Westerns.

Mike was a wonderful father to his son, John, and inseparable from his wife of more than 50 years, Patricia. Married on Dec. 21, 1968, they remained sweethearts always. He consistently supported her teaching, particularly enjoying the challenges of constructing aids and building projects for her classroom use.

A respected and exacting professional with a tremendous sense of humor, Mike was best known for helping others, and was always greeted with smiles from family and colleagues, friends and neighbors, and most anyone he met in the community. Whenever needed by his family, Mike was always there. He took special care of his mother, Ann, his brother, Richard, and his sister, Renee.

Mike is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Freel Ribarich; son, John Ribarich of Niles; and brother, Richard Ribarich of Warren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Joyce Ribarich Williams and Renee Ribarich.

A memorial service will be held later this year.

Arrangements are by Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home, Niles. Visit holetonyuhasz.com to view this tribute and share condolences with the family.

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