Michael E. Ballish, 87, of Hermitage, passed away early Monday morning, December 2, 2024, in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, following a brief illness.

Mr. Ballish was born on May 5, 1937, in Sharon, a son of the late John and Julia (Billen) Ballish, and graduated from Farrell High School in 1955. He also graduated from Youngstown State University, earning a Bachelor's in Metallurgical Engineering.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserves in Youngstown, OH, Mike served for six years until his honorable discharge on November 30, 1965.

For more than 30 years, Mike worked primarily as a metallurgical engineer at Sharon Steel's former Farrell plant until its closing in 1992. He then worked in a similar capacity for Copper Weld Steel, Warren, OH, retiring in 2002.

Mike was a longtime active member of the Church of Notre Dame in Hermitage, where he was involved with the Cursillo retreats, served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister, was a coordinator for Adoration and Rosary at the church, and served on many church committees, most notably as an Advisory Member for the Special Activities Group (SAG).

Mike enjoyed playing golf and walking – at least a mile every day. A family man and sports enthusiast, he loved spending time with family, especially during the holidays, and attending his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's many activities.

His wife of 64 years, Mary "Kathy" (Goda) Ballish, whom he married June 18, 1960, survives at home.

Mike is also survived by a son, Kevin Ballish (Janine), Apollo, PA; a daughter, Lisa Harper (John), Hermitage; five grandchildren, Christopher Harper (Tara), Jennifer Diegan (Jon), Christina Baesman (Wade), Aaron Ballish (Jennifer), and Adam Ballish; six great-grandchildren, Bella and Logan Harper, Quinn and Sullivan Diegan, and Abi and Eli Baesman.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Paul, and Thomas Ballish; and a sister, Mary Yurcich.

Calling hours will be 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday (12-6-24) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday (12-7-24) in the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Rd., Hermitage, with Rev. John Miller, as celebrant.

Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.