Michael W. McCartney 1951-2025

Travis was born Jan. 23, 1974, in Salem, to parents James and Gloria Williams Golladay.

He was a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School in 1992 and Marietta College with a degree in marketing and advertising in 1996.

Travis met his person, Nicole, 24 years ago. Together they built a life full of adventure, laughter and love. Their relationship was a true partnership, marked by countless memories, shared dreams and unwavering devotion. One of Travis’ greatest joys was traveling with Nicole, family and friends. Florida was their happy place, and the countless trips there were filled with sunshine, laughter and treasured moments that will forever live in the hearts of those who shared them.

Travis was a lover of all things football. That love began as a linebacker on the Mooney football field. As a Cardinal player, teammate and student, he was blessed with lifelong friends and countless memories. He continued to support Cardinal Mooney long after graduation.

His trademark giggle and devilish little boy spirit were on full display in animated conversations about his many passions, including OSU, live music, fast cars, relaxing on the porch in Florida with his wife and his iconic “shorts only” fashion.

Travis had the unique honor of spending his life working alongside his beloved family at Ohio Pet Foods, founded in 1978 by his father, James Golladay. Jim welcomed his children, including Travis, into the business and oversaw the purchase of his largest customer, Blackwood Pet Food, in 2011, and a competitor, Southern Tier Pet Nutrition, in 2012. In all of the company’s continued triumphs, the family serves as proof that the sentiment of “never work with family” is sage advice for many, but not all.

In 2023, Travis retired after 25 incredible years of service — for both the animals and his cherished family. His professional work for “furry friends” flowed into his advocacy and philanthropy for cats and animals of all kinds. He supported local shelter charities relentlessly — frequently giving whatever was needed.

Of all Trav’s many roles in life, he deeply cherished his roles as father and uncle. He attended sporting events, dance recitals, musicals and plays as the proud dad and uncle, and was the first to jump in for bedtime routines, tickle fighting and steamrolling like no other, cheering on the milestones and success of each child — Travis was a father and uncle that everyone knew.

He was ever present in every way.

Travis is survived by his wife, Nicole Maronen Golladay, whom he married May 20, 2014; son, Sean Hennessey of Boardman; mother, Gloria Williams Golladay of Columbiana; sister, Angela Crossen of Boardman; brother, Matthew (Michelle) Golladay of Canfield; eight nieces and nephews, Courtney (David) Lawson, Haley (John) Richley, Kelsey (Luke) Pfleiderer, Christopher Anderson, Mason Golladay, Laurel, Will and Henry Mook; and four great-nieces and -nephews, Piper Lawson, Lena and Winnifred Richley, and James Pfleiderer.

He was preceded in death by his father, “Pop,” and many beloved pets. The family finds comfort in the reunion held up above as Travis reunites with his dad, pets and cherished family friends, Jim and son, Brian Varley, in Heaven.

Family and friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, 2726 Center Road.

A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that material tributes take the form of donations to the Columbiana County Humane Society, 1825 S Lincoln Ave., Salem, OH 44460; the Jim Golladay Scholarship Fund at Cardinal Mooney High School, 2545 Erie St., Youngstown, OH 44507; or Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences to the family.

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