Trending
AUSTINTOWN -- Michael V. Weitzman, 78, was surrounded by his loving family as he passed away peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday morning, July 21, 2026.
We will never forget his courage, integrity and profound strength as he fought so hard through his illness. We will forever be grateful to God for blessing us with the greatest man on earth ... his love for us had no ending, his patience, support, selflessness, invaluable teaching and his extraordinary wisdom along with many other wonderful traits are what helped to mold us into who we all are today. We are so grateful that he is now at peace and no longer suffering, but we miss him, his warm smile and gentle spirit so very much ... he will always be so loved and will be in all of our hearts, memories and family conversations forever.
Mike was born Oct. 17, 1947, in Youngstown, a son of Vance and Naomi Hobbs Weitzman. He was a lifelong area resident.
He graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1965 and went on to attend a local trade school to become a machinist. Upon graduating, he began working for Lake Park Tool and Machine Inc., until 1970 when he accepted employment at General Motors' Fisher Body Fabricating Plant in Lordstown as a Specialized Machinist.
He worked tirelessly for over 37 years until he retired in 2008. "Big Mike" was always known for his meticulous, dedicated, honorable and strong work ethic throughout his entire life and his admirable commitment to taking care of and providing for his family. His garage was his "domain, his man cave!" Many hours were spent making things, fixing things, enjoying many conversations and making unforgettable memories with his son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in "Papa's Garage."
Mike was a long-time member of SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) and NRA (National Rifle Association), he enjoyed shooting and collecting guns. He had a love for fishing; and he especially loved spending a day at an area lake or in his boat with his son and grandsons. He also enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with family and friends. He took us on so many wonderful family vacations each year, fun, happy memories we will always hold dear. But out of all of his favorite activities, spending time together with his beautiful wife and family was by far his greatest joy!
As a family, we often remember the year he unexpectedly got laid off from GM and then here he comes down the street and around the corner with a huge in-ground pool for us, that day and the memory of his proud smiling face will be etched in our minds forever!
Mike was a deeply faithful Christian and a devoted, loving family man. He was always so proud to introduce his family to everyone! He was so kind and gentle, caring and generous. He faithfully gave to the Rescue Mission, bought many warm meals for individuals in need while he was out, gave away his own shirts, sweaters, and the shoes off his own feet to anyone who needed them. He loved everyone, just as Jesus does and he showed that love every day through his selfless acts of kindness for his family and others. He loved his country so very much and often spoke about how grateful he was to grow up in the 1950s. He would tell us how life was so simple, carefree, safe and peaceful back then and wished we also could have experienced that wholesome kind of life.
He (her devoted husband and best friend) leaves his beloved wife, JoAnne McNally Weitzman, with a beautiful lifetime of love and sweet memories to hold on to and cherish for always. Mike and JoAnne were married on Feb. 19, 1966, recently celebrating 60 amazing years together. They grew up on the same street; he fell in love at first sight and knew at the age of 8 that "he was going to marry that girl!" They ended up dating and falling in love in high school, got married, raised a beautiful family together and shared such a deep forever love for each other that will never, ever fade. They lovingly and affectionately always said to each other, "Keep a prayer on your lips Hon and a song in your heart."
Mike also leaves his three very proud and loving children, Christine, Michael and Melissa; his four very proud and loving grandchildren, Bob (Sorel), Joe (Tiffany), Jessica (Nick) and Kayla; his 10 precious loving great-grandchildren, who affectionately call him "Papa," Kiana, Ryan, Harper, Clayton, Jackson, Colton, Gia, Emma, Connor and Hadley; two sisters, Linda Ridarsky and Sandy Mashiska; a brother-in-law, Jerry (Sue) McNally; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Vance and Naomi; his brother, Dave; two sisters, Carol Slater and Annette Young; and his in-laws, Paul and Ann McNally.
Private services were held for immediate family per Mike's wishes.
Arrangements were by Lane Funeral home in Austintown.
Visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to send condolences.
Our family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Lane Funeral Home (Chris Graff) and to Pastor Joel, for such a beautiful intimate tribute and personal service for our Dear Husband, Father, Grandpa and Papa. Everything was exactly what he wanted. And to all of our family and friends: Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your love, care, prayers, words of comfort, cards, gifts, flowers, and food. We are all so truly humbled by your love and kindness.
If you are interested in making a contribution in Mike's honor, consider The American Cancer Society or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
(special notice)