ATHENS, Ohio –– Mike Magyary, 73, of Athens, passed away peacefully in hospice care on July 18, 2025. His children Leah and Josh were by his side.
Born in Akron, OH, Mike attended St. Sebastian Elementary School and graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School in 1970. He earned his Master’s degree in Natural Resources from Ohio State University, specializing in Maintenance and Energy Conservation. It was during his time at OSU that he met the love of his life Marilyn Crone, whom he married in 1976. Together, they built a life and raised a family in southeast Ohio.
Before retiring in 2021, Mike worked as a Commissioning Agent for Four Seasons Environmental, Inc. Prior to that role, he served 19 years as the Director of HVAC Operations at Ohio University, where he oversaw the critical functioning of all the campus facility systems and research buildings.
Known for his quick wit and love of people, Mike had a unique gift of connecting with others, especially strangers, with his sense of humor and outgoing personality. Emulating his dad, Mike was a silly prankster, sometimes finding himself in innocent predicaments that later would make a hilarious story!
On the flip side, he found solace hiking through nature and exploring. Grounded and humble, it didn’t take much to make Mike happy. As a friend, Mike was A LOT of fun, loyal and open-minded. As a devoted father, he shared a beautiful, bonding friendship with his children. As a humanitarian, Mike gave generously of his time, from volunteering as a firefighter to dedicating over three decades at The Good Works Timothy House homeless shelter.
In high school, he was captain of the wrestling team and played electric guitar in a band, and regularly had a harmonica handy to wail out his favorite tunes. Analytical and industrious, Mike was always immersed in a DIY home project with endless energy! He was an above-average golfer and sports enthusiast, especially for the Ohio Bobcats, the Buckeyes, and the Browns.
Mike will be deeply missed, but his fun-loving spirit lives on in the hearts of everyone who knew him. He is survived by his children, Josh (spouse Michelle) and Leah (spouse David); and his sisters, Diane and Anni. He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn (2017); sister, Sandy (2018); brother, Jim (2023); mother, Shirlee (2012); and father, Frank (1972).
To honor Mike, please consider donating to WOUB Public Media, a PBS affiliate and one of Mike’s favorite nonprofits. A celebration of Mike’s life is pending.
