MICHAEL J. RUMANCIK

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Michael Joseph Rumancik. Mike left this world on July 29th at the age of 78 after a brief yet brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mike – AKA Stoney, Iron Mike, Poppi, The Colonel – spent 35 years delivering mail with dedication and a smile. After retiring, he discovered he still had plenty of spunk left and became a noon aide at Chestnut Grade School. We're still not sure who had more fun – Mike or the kids. Forever a big kid at heart, Mike found joy in playing kickball, jumping on his trusty flip phone in front of the kids (which somehow survived the action), and blowing out both of his hamstrings (which probably wasn't in the job description).

Mike leaves behind his cherished best friend and bride of 56 years, Maureen. Their extraordinary love brought forth three beautiful children: Michelle (Sean) Werner, Jeff (Stacy), and Mark (Sherri). His greatest joy in life was his family. The best times were the simplest ones for Mike – spent next to Maureen, talking and just being together. He will forever have his arms around her.

Mike's love of sports came in handy as he coached his kids throughout their sports careers. On beautiful Northeast Ohio days when the kids were young, if you didn't find him at the baseball diamond, you'd find him on the backyard swing, enjoying one-on-one time with his little girl Michelle.

Not only was Mike the perfect boyfriend, perfect husband, and perfect father – he was also the perfect grandfather and great-grandfather. Grandkids: Courtney (Brandon), Katie (Joey), Cameron, Maddie, Laney, Mike, Dom, Ally, and Syd; and great-grandchildren Kellin, Aislynn, Shane, Bryson, Rylie, Averie, Skye, and Greyson will forever cherish the memories he created with them: the backyard swing set that Poppa never wanted to take down, cherry spitting contests in the yard, and his playful joy in dressing up as Santa for the children. He was truly a gift to his family.

While Mike was a big kid, he also had an even bigger heart. Along with caring endlessly for Maureen and their beautiful family, he always found time to help his buddy Bea across the street – just one small example of the kind of neighbor and friend he was. To say he leaves a big hole in the family and the neighborhood is an understatement.

Mike is also survived by his sister, Susie (Mark), and brothers Tom (Sue) and John (Heidi). He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Carolyn.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held FRIDAY, AUG 1, at 11:00 AM in the CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS where friends may call 9:00 AM until time of service. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. If you knew Mike and his sense of style, you would honor his request by coming to the services in casual attire.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Ames Hospice of the Western Reserve, 30800 Hospice Way, Westlake, Ohio 44145, in Mike's memory. The staff there were angels, and the family deeply appreciates the kindness they showed Mike and all who loved him.

Mike's legacy of laughter, love, and unwavering devotion will live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known him. He will be missed beyond measure, loved forever, and remembered always.