Michael 'Mike' Magula, 1554 Juniper Court, and formerly of South Darby Road, both Hermitage, passed away peacefully at his home at 3:57 a.m. on Thursday (8-25-11) following a four month illness. He was 84.

Mike was born on March 14, 1927 in Sharpsville, Pa., a son of Vincent and Anna Bayus Magula.

A member of Sharpsville High Schools Class of 1945, Mike was an All-State Honorable Mention in Basketball. He was equally skilled as a high school football quarterback, helping to take his team to District 10 title. As a basketball scholarship athlete, Magula completed his BA at what was then known as Youngstown College. During this time, he was nationally ranked, (2nd) in shooting percentage, at nearly 58%. Additionally, while at Youngstown College, he played golf and baseball. He graduated in 1952. An all-around athlete, post-college, Magula played semi-professional basketball for the Detroit Vagabond Kings.

Prior to college, Mike served in the US Army.

He was an active 55 year member of St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Sharon, where he served as Treasurer for nearly 20 years.

A local sports legend, Mike was inducted into both the Mercer County and Youngstown State University Sports Hall of Fame, 1983 and 1995 respectively. He enjoyed top honors in Golf, having won numerous local, regional and national golf tournaments. Notably, Mike represented the State of Pennsylvania in the National Publinx Golf Tournament in Pasadena, CA.

Mike enjoyed a successful, nearly 40 year career in automobile sales for Tom Timblin Ford and Stupka Pontiac both within the Shenango Valley. Additionally, along with his brother, Gus, Mike owned and operated the former Hickory Golf Driving Range, Hermitage.

He was a member of the well known Hickory VFW 'Golf Herd' that teed up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:00 sharp. Recently, Mike enjoyed playing golf with his friends at the Avalon Golf and Country Club.

An outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, he was also a friend to animals, and he enjoyed traveling, history, art, music and especially politics.

His wife, the former Natalie Kushay, whom he married on May 23, 1953 survives at home.

He also leaves his three daughters, MaryBeth Alvin, Chester Springs, PA and her husband Al Ulozas; Melissa Crimmins, Pittsburgh, PA; and her husband Martin and Melanie Werner Sewickley, PA and her husband Eric, eight grandchildren, Austin and Travis Alvin, Kraag Ulozas, Meredith, Margaret and Marjorie Crimmins, and Isabelle and Sophia Werner, sisters, Mary and Margaret, a brother Steve, and many caring nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Mike was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle, a sister, Veronica Evanchan, and brother, Augustine (Gus).

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Buhl Farm Trust (First Tee Program) or St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Church 389 Clark Street, Sharon.

Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. on Sunday (8-28-11) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon, where a memorial service will take place at 8:30 p.m. and from 10:00 until 10:30 a.m. on Monday (8-29-11) in the funeral home prior to leaving for the church.

Condolences may be sent to his family by visiting the web site www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Services: A funeral service will be held on Monday (8-29-11) at 11:00 a.m. in St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Church with Rev. Andrew Gall, pastor of the church officiating.

Interment: In the St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Section of Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.