Michael P. Julian Jr. 1947-2026
KENT – Michael P. Julian Jr., affectionately known by family and friends as “Miki,” passed away peacefully Monday, June 15, 2026, at Summa Health in Akron, surrounded by his family.
He was born May 7, 1947, in Youngstown, the son of the late Michael P. and Claire Tortora Julian Sr.
Miki graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1965 and attended the University of Louisville in Kentucky on a golf scholarship until being drafted in 1968.
An avid scratch golfer, he was a member of the Mill Creek Park Golf League and played in many golf tournaments around the Youngstown area.
He was honorably discharged from the Army in April 1969, during the Vietnam War. Miki was part of the 101st Airborne Division and had served as an ammunition expeditor at Camp Eagle. He had received several medals, including a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Defense Service Medal.
When he returned from the service, Miki started working as a mall manager for the DeBartolo Corp., then worked in construction for the Aberdeen Co., and later entered the restaurant industry in 1982, working at the Boat House in Boardman.
He built the Boat Yard on Belmont Avenue in Liberty Township in 1984. The Boat Yard was a popular North Side venue, known for exceptional seafood, Mom’s chocolate cake and the infamous Jimmy Buffett night. He worked there until closing in 2000. Miki had several other business ventures and retired officially in 2004.
Miki leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Gretchen A. Hoffman, whom he married Sept. 1, 1974, at Zion Lutheran Church; they had been happily married for 51 years.
He also leaves his daughters, Kelly Lynn (Dave) Fleming of Parkersburg, W.Va., and Nicole Marie (Chris) Adkins of Akron.
Family and friends may call 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Fox Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m. with military honors.
The Julian family has requested that any material tributes be given to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256; or because of his love for dogs, the United States War Dogs Association, 102 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Towson, MD 21204.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to offer condolences to the Julian family.
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