Michael Bilas

NEW SPRINGFIELD - Michael Bilas, 93, passed away peacefully Friday evening, August 25, 2023, at his home after a long and fulfilling life.

Michael was born September 21, 1929, in Youngstown, a son of the late John and Hanusha Barolak Bilas and was a lifelong area resident.

He was a 1947 graduate of Springfield High School and was self-employed as a truck driver, hauling coal from 1947 to 1967. Michael then went to work as an electrician at Youngstown Sheet and Tube. When the mill closed, he worked at WCI Steel in Warren and retired in 1996.

Mr. Bilas was a lifelong member of St. Michael Orthodox Church in Youngstown. He was very active in many organizations and groups within the church and served as a trustee and also sang as a tenor in the church choir.

A gifted tenor vocalist, Michael was also a member of the Russian Orthodox Male Chorus, the Kosovo Choir and the Sheet and Tube Choir.

Michael served as a volunteer fireman in New Springfield for many years. He enjoyed traveling, listening to ethnic, classical and opera music and especially enjoyed a warm plate of food and a hot cup of coffee.

He was a creative inventor and held many patents for various designs throughout his lifetime. In the 1960's Michael converted a Greyhound bus into a camper for his family to enjoy. He had a sharp mind until the very end and loved his dog, Mo, and his cats. Most of all, Michael enjoyed the time he spent with his family.

He leaves to forever cherish his memory his three children, Michael J. Bilas of New Springfield, Jeannette Bilas of Dublin, and Matthew F. (Denise) Bilas of New Springfield; three grandchildren, Jared (Jessica) Bilas, Vanessa Bilas, and Nicholas Bilas; two great- grandchildren, Alexa and Cole; his brother, Luke (Ruthanna) Bilas of New Springfield and many nieces and nephews and extended family members and many friends.

Michael will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

His wife of 48 years, Olga Cundik Bilas, whom he married September 14, 1957, passed away May 8, 2006.

Two brothers, John Bilas Jr., and Peter Bilas and two sisters-in-law, Frances Bilas and Mary Bilas also preceded Michael in death.

Family and friends may call from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Kinnick Funeral Home 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown, where a funeral service will take place at 12:30 p.m.
Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Boardman, where Michael will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife.

In lieu of flowers, Michael’s family suggests memorial contributions be made to Springfield Township Rescue Squad 3475 East South Range Rd. New Springfield, Ohio 44443.