Obituary: MICHAEL MILKOVICH

MICHAEL MILKOVICH, Age 96, Preceded in death by his wife Barbara (nee Weiler) and is reunited with her now. His innovative coaching style, techniques and training in the sport of high school wrestling helped forge rivalries among neighboring schools, raise the bar for other programs to compete and increased fan and parental participation at wrestling matches. Through wrestling, he put Maple Heights, a blue collar community of 5.1 sq. miles, on the map of Ohio and the nation. He touched the lives of the many kids that he coached and instilled in them the virtues of class and character. He is most proud of his 4 sons Mike Jr. (Jill), Dan, Tom, Pat (Carol), and 2 daughters Cathy DiEgidio (Lee) and Beth (Gene), 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Mike was the brother of Mary, John, Nick and Dorothy and the late Helen, Martha and Paul. His passion was fishing, whether it was at his cottage in Canada or his winter home in the Florida Keys. He also enjoyed dabbling in the stock market. His lasting legecy however, was winning a United States Supreme Court decision regarding the First Ammendment, (Milkovich v. The Lorain Journal). “Big Mike” loved his community, family, made many friendships, cultivated a few enemies, but mostly he loved being in and seeing a “good fight” be it a fish or foe. One of his more memorable mantra’s was “If the only thing in life that I have taught you is a wrestling move, then I have failed you as a coach”. He was a father to many, a nationally renowned wrestling coach, a mentor and adversary, but most importantly he was loved by many and was a great man who will be missed greatly. U.S.Army WWII Veteran. Friends may call at the FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME 356 W AURORA RD. (ST RT 82) SAGAMORE HILLS where funeral services will be held Monday at 10:00AM. VISITATION SUNDAY 2:00-8:00PM. Interment Crown Hill Cemetery.A gathering of friends and family will take place after burial at the funeral home.