The world is better for knowing him, but a little more grey for losing him. Mike brightened and touched so many lives. His smile was contagious, his personality was endearing and his love for his family and friends was enduring.

Michael A. Hostovich, age 70, was welcomed to this world on January 27, 1945 and was given his angel wings on September 04, 2015. Mike developed esophageal cancer and fought a tough battle to try to beat it. He kept telling us that he still had things to do. How we prayed he’d get his wish. It was not meant to be.

He was the son of the late Michael and Irene (Hajnos) Hostovich of Library Pa. and then Peters Township.

Left to treasure his memory, is his wife of 47 years, Elaine (Kucan) Hostovich, his beloved son Brandon Michael Hostovich, his sister Georgiann Stegenga of Eighty-four. PA., nephews, Ronald Dane Hostovich (Shannon) of Charleroi, PA and their two sons, Dane and Zachary, Robin Dean Hostovich, his companion Kathy Ratroci both of Peters Township, PA, Gary Stegenga (Karen) and children of Eighty-four, PA. And nephew Roy Dale Hostovich, South Park, PA .. Also survived by many cousins living in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh. Mike also leaves behind many good and lasting friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, George E. and Rita F. Kucan, along with his brother Ronald and his wife, Ann (Dolly) of Monongahela, and his brother-in-law Gary Stegenga.

Michael attended school in Peters Township. He began working in the family business, Brookwood Nursery and Landscaping, while in Jr. High and through college. He then graduated from California State College. He was a self-made man. Michael paved and paid his own way through life. He was determined to build the type of life for his family that he wished he had growing up. He succeeded quite nicely. He met Elaine when they were both in their later teens. It was a chance meeting that resulted in four years of dating until he was through with college. He was a beautiful person and a wonderful husband, they were happy and best friends in their marriage. He was a caring and devoted father. He was Brandon’s

“rock” who was always there to support, encourage and to pray. He loved him so very much.

He was accepted into the Army National Guard Reserves during the time of the Vietnam War. As fate would have it, he was recruited the day before he was to be drafted. He felt honored to have served his country.

After his initial service training, he went to work for the JCPenney Company where he had a 33 year career. During his employment he worked a large portion of his career in the Pittsburgh area including north, south and in the eastern suburbs. He also worked in Niles, Ohio. He served on the District Staff as District Operations Manager and then again as District Sales Manager. For the last step of his career with the company he was transferred to Warren where he served as Store Manager.

He enjoyed his outstanding staff of employees and was so disappointed when the company chose to close the Warren store. It was at that time he decided for himself to take an early retirement. Mike being the caring person he was, had been devastated by the closing and was concerned for his employees needing to find work. Alone, he found a job for every single employee that needed to continue to work feeling honored to be able to vouch for their commitment to the company. He was proud of the dedication those employees gave to the company and thought that was the least he could do for his great employees. He always thought the people from this county were very special.

After his retirement, he was no longer content to just sit around fishing all the best known creeks. Although he probably would have stayed in retirement if the Steelers would have played every day! Yes, everyone was aware he was a die-hard, devoted fan.

Michael went on to do some substitute teaching in the Warren Area School District. He missed his calling. He came home on days he subbed just bubbling as he talked about the students he had that day. He loved them all but especially loved teasing and joking with those in the senior high schools. To this day, young people would come up to one of us while we were just around town and praise him for how special he made them feel. It was always so nice to hear especially since we heard it from so many different young people. They not only had an effect on him,’but he had a lasting effect on them.

Mike decided it was time to come out of retirement as he was itching to do something more meaningful with his life on a full-time basis. He was hired as the Executive Director of the United Fund of Warren County. What a great fit for all involved. Through the fund he met such wonderful people who loved their town and believed so much in the people of this county. He was gratified seeing how people wanted to help each other through volunteering, the agencies, or by contributing funds to assure those who were unable were made able.

Michael made many good friends in this town who were there for his family at a time he could not be. He was grateful. He was an honest man and sincere with anyone he met, and his love was unconditional. He loved to joke with everyone. Warren wasn’t where he was born, but it WAS the town he called HOME.

“Remember kid, there’s heroes and there’s legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” – Babe Ruth, “The Sandlot”

At his request, there will be no public visitation. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date in which the family would welcome anyone who would like to help us celebrate or by sharing a favorite memory. Arrangements are entrusted to Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. Please visit www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com to send condolences or view a tribute honoring his life .

At the family request, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice. Taking your family out for dinner and enjoying their company is also a great option!