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SEBRING -- J. Michael Pinkerton, 74, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, in Sebring.
Born March 7, 1949, in Alliance, he was a true community man who served his community with commitment and dedication.
Mike was a longtime resident of Sebring, where he served as a past member of the Sebring Chamber of Commerce, and an auxiliary policeman for the Sebring Police Department and was appointed to the Sebring Fire Department, where he was active for eight years.
He was a dedicated public servant, elected to council for a term, and later elected as Sebring mayor, serving four consecutive terms. He was re-elected mayor after returning to Sebring, serving an additional one-and-a-half terms.
In 1998, he moved to New Castle, Pa., before returning to Sebring in 2001, where he served on the council for two more years.
As a part of the Mahoning County Land Bank, Mike was instrumental in acquiring land and receiving the brownfield grant. He was a key player in the establishment of the Sebring Industrial Park and was pivotal in securing many big businesses for the area.
Through his dedication and serving the community, he was very active in the Mahoning County Democrats, where he had the opportunity to have dinner with two vice presidents; met Ted Kennedy; and even became friends with Bill Clinton, getting invited to his inaugural ball.
Mike and Bertie's house was always open, and those who knew them knew they could always drop in for a friendly conversation and good company.
Mike's career at Ohio Edison spanned 44 years, starting as a lineman, progressing to a trainer, and ending as a safety coordinator. After retiring, he started his own consulting business, Pinkerton Consulting Services. His commitment and dedication to his work and community were recognized on numerous occasions, most notably receiving the Citizen of the Year Award; Distinguished Alumni Award; and the key to Sebring, Fla.
Mike was an active member of Pine Lake Christian Church, where he served on the board and as a deacon. Mike was on the board at Alliance Senior Center and looked forward to their baseball trips to see the Cleveland Indians. He also was a member of the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Athletic Booster and Band Boosters. He looked forward to the annual Washington, D.C., trip he got to chaperon and share his knowledge with the students. He was instrumental in forming Sebring Kids Incorporated, a testament to his love for his community and his desire to see it flourish.
A sports enthusiast, Mike was a fan of the Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State University. He enjoyed watching all high school sports, particularly basketball and baseball.
After retiring, he loved riding the golf cart with his grandson, Zackary, followed by a beer and a hot dog at the Log. His grandson brought him immense joy, and their bond was truly special.
Mike will be remembered as a thoughtful, generous and selfless individual. He was a man who put his community and loved ones before himself. His impact on Sebring and the lives of those he touched will continue to be felt for generations to come. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mike leaves behind his loving wife, Bertie Burrier Pinkerton; his children, Shelly Pinkerton and Shawn (Michelle) Pinkerton; grandson, Zackary Pinkerton; sister, Trudy (Jim) Goldstein; niece, Melissa Moose; special aides, Ian and Jose; and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver "Byrd" and Margaret Hamilton Pinkerton; and his in-laws, Russell and Lois Burrier.
A funeral service celebrating the life of Mike will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, at Gednetz-Ruzek-Brown Funeral Home, with Pastor Lynn Moore officiating. You may watch the livestream of Mike's service by following the link posted to his online obituary.
Friends and family will be received 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, at the funeral home, with family not present; from 5 to 8 p.m., with family present at the funeral home; and the hour prior to the service on Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Aultman Alliance Hospice, 200 E. State St., Alliance, OH 44601.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gednetz-Ruzek-Brown Funeral Home, Sebring, 330-938-2526. You may sign the guest register and view the obituary online at www.grfuneralhome.com.
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