Mike Kalinich Sr. - A Pillar of the Community

**Tribute to Michael D. Kalinich Sr.**

The Strongsville GOP mourns the passing of a truly remarkable man, Michael D. Kalinich Sr., who departed this world on September 14, 2024. Michael was not only a cherished pillar of our community but also a shining example of dedication to family, business, and public service. His life is a testament to the values we hold dear and to the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.

Michael’s legacy begins with his unwavering devotion to his family. He was a loving husband to Erma J. for an incredible 70 years, a devoted father to Michael D. Jr., Cynthia (Christie) DeRosa, and Kimberly Kalinich-Zacharyasz, and a proud grandfather to a growing legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His kindness, wisdom, and strength were constants in the lives of those he loved, and his memory will be cherished by family and friends alike.

A man of vision and enterprise, Michael carried forward the family business, Kalinich Fence Company, bringing it to Strongsville in 1956. Under his leadership, the company flourished and became a cornerstone of our local economy. His innovative spirit led him to revolutionize the industry with the invention of the semi-automatic snow fence machine, propelling his company into the global market and solidifying its place as one of the largest manufacturers of snow fence in the United States. His pride in Strongsville was evident in every endeavor, famously coining the phrase "Crossroads of the Nation," a testament to his deep connection to our city.

Michael's contributions to Strongsville extended far beyond his business achievements. As President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Board of Strongsville Savings Bank, and a long-serving Board Trustee at Fifth Third Bank, his influence on the local economy was profound. His commitment to public service was equally remarkable, as he devoted over three decades to Southwest General Hospital as a Board Member, helping shape the institution's success. As a founding member of the Strongsville City Club and Chairman of the Strongsville Homecoming, Michael brought joy and unity to countless residents through his tireless efforts.

His dedication to our community was matched only by his love for his country. As a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War, Michael’s patriotism was a cornerstone of his character, and his service to our nation remains an inspiration to all who knew him.
Michael Kalinich Sr. embodied the spirit of Strongsville—strong in character, steadfast in commitment, and generous in heart. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the community he helped build. As we reflect on his life, we find comfort in the knowledge that heaven has gained a precious gift. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with Erma and the entire Kalinich family during this difficult time. The Strongsville GOP honors Michael’s memory and will always remember him as a kind, funny, and generous man. We are forever grateful for the privilege of having known him, and we will strive to uphold the values he lived by—God, family, and country.
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Rest in peace, Michael. You will be dearly missed, but your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
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Tom Perciak
Mayor of Strongsville

Mike represented what is great about Strongsville. Devotion to family and a passion for civic involvement. He cannot be replaced and will truly be missed. The extraordinary thing about Mike is the significant impact he had on our community. One person can really make a difference. Mike was an amazing man who left an amazing legacy.

Rest In Peace, Papa - we will miss you.

Mike Catanzarite
Strongsville Business Leader

When you look up the word Gentlemen in the dictionary, you will see a picture of Mike Kalinich. His love for family, friends, and community is unmatched.

He was truly the "Strong" in Strongsville. 

Mike DeWine
Governor of Ohio

Fran and I are saddened to learn of the death of Michael Kalinich. Mike served his country in the United States Army, and he served the Strongsville community as a business leader and board member for several local civic organizations. Fran and I would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Mike’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Jon Husted
Lieutenant Governor of Ohio

Tina and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Kalinich. As a respected business leader and mentor, his impact on the Strongsville community will be remembered for generations. We would like to offer our prayers to his family during this time.

Max Miller
​United States Congressman

A Korean War Veteran and the namesake of the Strongsville City Council Chambers, Michael Kalinich Sr. was a steadfast patriot and a pillar of this community. His unwavering love for America, dedication to family values, and deep commitment to our community made him a shining example of the virtues that define our nation. Mr. Kalinich leaves behind a legacy of service and strength as his influence will continue to be felt in Strongsville and across Northeast Ohio.

Congressman Miller addressing the United States House of Representatives: Remembering Michael Kalinich, A Pillar Of Strongsville, Ohio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hraio8Agi8w

Tom Patton
State Representative
Candidate for State Senate

He was one of the finest men I've ever known. He was, in my mind, Mr. Strongsville.

Representative Patton secured passage of an Ohio House Resolution (HR578), titled:
Resolution In Memory of Michael D. Kalainich Sr.
https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_135/legislation/hr578/01_AH/pdf/

Mike Dovilla
Former State Representative
​Candidate for State Representative

Michael Kalinich, Sr. personified the strength of Strongsville, a devoted family man, proud veteran, tireless entrepreneur, and dedicated volunteer, Mike Kalinich stood for decades as a vital pillar and transformational leader in our community. His legacy, now carried on by family and so many of us who were blessed to be counted among his friends will be felt by generations to come.

Michael Gallagher
Cuyahoga County Councilman

Strongsville would not be what it is today without Mr. Kalinich and his family. We have a debt of gratitude to pay to this wonderful man.

Lisa Stickan LewisChairman, Republican Party of Cuyahoga County

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Kalinich, a true pillar of the Strongsville community. As a dedicated veteran, successful business owner, and compassionate community leader, Michael embodied the values of service, hard work, and civic pride. His contributions and his unwavering commitment to his neighbors will be long remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. His legacy of leadership and service will continue to inspire us all.

Ed Oliveros
Treasurer, Strongsville GOP

I have lived in Strongsville for over 40 years, and I was always amazed at how one man could be involved in so many community projects. Mike was an amazing contributor to our city and certainly an example of the greatest assets our city has - its people and its leadership.
Thanks, Mike, for your hard work, guidance, and contributions to our great city.

​Shannon Burns
President, Strongsville GOP

Mike Kalinich made a remarkable impact on every person he met. He was one of the first city leaders I had the privilege to learn from as a young man during Mayor Perciak's campaign in 2003, and it became immediately clear to me that he was a man of great wisdom and a fantastic heart. His impact on the people of the City of Strongsville will go unmatched. Mary and I will truly miss him.

​Rest in Peace, Michael D. Kalinich Sr.
-- A Grateful Community