Michael J. Walusis, 1444 Lori Lane, Hermitage, PA, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Saturday, August 20, 2011 in the emergency room of UPMC Horizon Hospital, Farrell, PA.

Michael was born March 3, 1942 in Dayton, Ohio where he resided until moving to Youngstown, OH. He was the son of the late Casimer and Ruth Petkus Walusis.

He was a 1960 graduate of Kiser High School, Dayton, Ohio; received a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Notre Dame, S. Bend, Indiana; and a Master of Fine Arts Degree from The Ohio State University. Michael was a retired art professor at Youngstown State University, where he was employed for 40 years, and also taught print-making and design.

Michael was a talented artist creating many works using a variety of media, paintings in oil and acrylic, prints, mixed-media, and murals.

He was an avid athlete playing football, baseball, tennis, handball, racquet ball, and especially golf. He earned All City honors in high school football, and was a lifelong fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He enjoyed playing pinochle and poker with family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening, traveling with his wife, and playing with his grandchildren.

He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend and was very devoted to his Catholic Faith. He was a member of the Church of Notre Dame and the Knights of Columbus, Council #4003, both Hermitage.

Surviving are: his wife at home, Kathy Paolinellie, whom he married July 18, 2006 in the Church of Notre Dame; a son, David Walusis and his wife Jodi, El Paso, Texas; a daughter, Deirdre Shaw and her husband Bill, Augusta, Ga.; eight grandchildren: Madelyn, Maci, Casimer, Brady, Brody, Abigail, Lucy and Evelyn; three brothers, John Walusis and his wife Donna; Joseph Walusis and his wife Mary Beth; and Bill Walusis and his wife Fannie; a sister, Norma Breakall and her husband Ken; and many special nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 PM Tuesday (8-23-11) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

A Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 AM Wednesday (8-24-11) in the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Road, Hermitage, with the Rev. Jeffery Noble, pastor, as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in memory of Michael, to the Art Department at Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH. Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.