Michael P. Hulewat Jr.

SAGAMORE HILLS — Michael P. Hulewat Jr., 78, passed away Monday afternoon, Feb. 16, 2026, in the comfort of his home, following a fierce battle with Parkinson’s disease. He refused to let it stop him, most times to his own detriment.

Michael was born Jan. 14, 1948, in Youngstown, the son of the late Michael and Catherine Malik Hulewat, and was raised in Austintown. He later lived in Sagamore Hills with his family for a number of years before returning to Austintown after the death of his wife. Three years ago, he moved back to Sagamore Hills to reside with his daughter.

He was a 1966 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and attended Youngstown State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1971.

Michael was a true jack-of-all-trades, mastering many skills throughout his lifetime. He excelled in auto mechanics from spending numerous hours growing up with his Uncle Harry Hulewat; he learned plumbing and home maintenance from his Uncle Frank Hulewat; he worked for Ajax Magnathermic for a few years before perfecting his skills in autobody work with his brother-in-law, Bill Mathes. He rarely hired anyone to fix something that broke. He always figured it out himself and accepted any and all challenges.

He leaves to forever cherish his memory his daughter, Sherry Lynn Atha and beloved son-in-law, Marty Atha, Jr. of Sagamore Hills, with whom he made his home the past three years; five grandchildren, Kailey (Zak) Urbank of Sherrodsville, Ohio; Matthew Atha of Scottsdale, Arizona and Maeson Philip Atha, Ryan Atha, and Collin Atha, all of Sagamore Hills; and one great-granddaughter, Madison Urbank.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Catherine Hulewat; his in-laws, Robert and Christina Mathes; and his beloved wife of 25 years, Cynthia Mae (Mathes) Hulewat, whom he married in 1968. She passed away in 1994.

Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown, where a funeral service will be held at noon.

Interment will follow at Green Haven Memorial Gardens in Austintown, where Michael will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, parents, and grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the National Rifle Association or Parkinson’s Foundation.