Michael J. Petras

Michael J. Petras, 87, of Akron, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 13, 1936, to the late Matias and Mary Petras. He graduated from St. John Cantius High School and attended John Carroll University and The Ohio State University. He served in the National Guard from 1956 to 1958. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Michael was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He married Carla J. Petras on March 11, 1978, and they shared 45 years of happiness together. He was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Vincent de Paul Church. He enjoyed photography, travel, football, singing, spending time with his family, and Christmas. His Christmas tree and village glowed from November through February. He had seen the wonders of the world through his lens, capturing the beauty and diversity of nature. He had lived a fulfilling life of adventure and passion, never losing his curiosity and joy for exploration and conversation. He was a loyal Browns fan since their inaugural season in 1946, witnessing their glory days in the AAFC and NFL, enduring their heartbreaks and hardships, and never losing hope for their revival. He had a singing voice that could fill any room with warmth and joy, and he never missed an opportunity to share his gift with others.

He is survived by his wife, Carla J. Petras; his children Michalene (Mike) Ebbert, Christopher (Lila) Petras, daughter-in law Mary Kate Karr-Petras, Brian (Lisa) Petras, Moira (Fedor) Razzuri, John (Marty) Lenehan, Kathleen (Kris) Smith and Thomas (Julie) Lenehan; his grandchildren Andre, Laura Jeanne, Clayton, Shane, Matthew, Drew, Monica, Maddie, Ben, Hannah, Jenny, Alexandra, Kael, Braeden, Kate, Elyse, Keely and Gisela; his great-grandchildren Evalyn, Lillian, Leanora and Mary Mila.

He was preceded in death by his son Greg Petras and his siblings Brother Roger Petras OFM and Mary Ann Petras.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 30 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Akron, Ohio. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hummel Funeral Home, 3475 Copley Rd. Copley, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Franciscan Monastery in Washington DC or St. Vincent de Paul Church.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Akron Fire Department and Akron General Medical Center for their compassionate care of Michael.

Michael will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was a kind, generous and faithful man who touched many lives with his smile and humor. He was a wonderful example of love and service to God and others. May he rest in peace.