Michael P. Garthwaite

Michael P. Garthwaite, 75, of Poland, Ohio passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2025,with his family by his side, after a long, hard- fought battle with cancer. 

Mike was born on the 4th of July, in 1949, to Jack and Rose (Vari) Garthwaite in Youngstown. When he was a child, Mike’s dad said the fireworks were all for him.

After graduating from Poland Seminary High School and attending Youngstown State University, Mike worked for Conrail as a train dispatcher. He loved his overnight shifts, working the remote railroad towers, ensuring the trains traveled safely. After automation eliminated his railroad job, Mike became a mail carrier with the US Postal Service until his retirement in 2006. 

In his younger days, Mike owned a classic 1966 Ford Mustang which he enjoyed drag racing at Salem Quaker City Motorsports. Ironically, he was the same man who never drove 1 MPH over the speed limit on public roads.

Mike was an avid bass fisherman, using only artificial lures and ridiculing those who fished with live bait. “Real fishing,” he felt, was tricking the fish into striking your lure and witnessing the thrill of the bass breaking the water.

A huge dog lover, Mike adopted four dogs from the Ohio Bassett Hound Rescue. Cody, Maverick, Bo, and Roy await with wagging tails to reunite with their loving owner.

Above all, Mike’s strongest passion was Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, which he proudly displayed with his ND MIKE license plates, golden helmet mailbox, and just about every piece of clothing he owned. Mike cheered on the Irish to the very end, watching his final game in the St Elizabeth ICU with his brother Tim, just days before he passed and although the Irish came up short, they fought to the end and never gave up, much like Mike and his battle with cancer.

Mike leaves behind to cherish his memory, his brother, Timothy (Diane) Garthwaite of Liberty Township; and in his most beloved role as “Uncle Mike,” the apples of his eye, nephew Peter (Allison) Garthwaite of Chicago and niece, Julie Garthwaite of Kapa’a, Hawaii. Mike had many nieces and nephews whom he loved, Joseph (Lori) Blinsky of Boardman (his drag racing protégé), Maria (Rick) Paes of New Middletown, James Blinsky of Mogadore, Jackie (Shawn) Hughes of New Middletown, Chrissy (Paul) Zubick of New Middletown, Steven (Tricia) Garthwaite of Poland, Thomas Garthwaite of Jackson Township, and David Garthwaite of Charlotte, NC.

He will also be missed by his Chicago family, cousins, Phil (Peggy) Faust, Julie (Steve) Szalko, and Donna (Jack) Karnia. 

Mike also leaves behind his “Notre Dame Family,” Bob, Andrew, and Kyle Ripple, to cheer on the Irish in his memory.

Besides his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his brothers, John and Anthony Garthwaite.

Mike’s family would like to thank Dr. John Babyak and Dr. Amy Awaida and their staffs, who gave Mike many extra years of quality life. 

Per Mike’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. 

“I’ve got to go, Rock. It’s all right. I’m not afraid. Sometime, Rock, when the team’s up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys…tell them to go in there with all they’ve got and win just one for the Gipper. I don’t know where I’ll be then, Rock. But I’ll know about it, and I’ll be happy.”

Rest in peace, ND Mike.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.