Michael J. Cicak

Michael Joseph Cicak: A Legacy of Love, Resilience, and Dreams Fulfilled

Michael Joseph Cicak, a man who lived life with unmatched passion, generosity, and heart, passed away on December 6 at Kingston Nursing Home in Perrysburg, OH. Born into a Slovak-speaking household, Michael experienced a childhood defined by resilience and responsibility. As a young boy, he would come home from school each day to teach his parents the English he had learned, bridging cultures with determination and love.

When his father passed away during Michael's college years, he made the decision to return home, working multiple jobs to support his mother and help raise his two younger brothers, George and Larry. From these beginnings, Michael forged a life marked by hard work, unwavering dedication, and an infectious zest for life.

Michael met the love of his life, Dolores Ann Fultz, at a bar, and their connection was instant. Their whirlwind courtship was marked by his Friday night drives from work to Clyde, Ohio, where his urgency to see Dolores resulted in a legendary speed trap—and a temporary loss of his driver’s license. They were soulmates, embarking on a 66-year marriage filled with adventures, love, and shared dreams.

Professionally, Michael's career was nothing short of remarkable. From roles at American Motors Corporation working on marketing for the Gremlin, AP Parts to pivotal positions at Glasstech, Solar Cells, and First Solar, Michael's charisma and ingenuity left a lasting mark. Known for his magnetic personality, he was the kind of salesman who could sell ice to a snowman—and make them thank him for it. But more than his business acumen, Michael was a champion of ideas. He and his friend, Jim Appold, were legendary for their "holding court", listening to pitches, mentoring, and helping people realize their dreams.

Michael pursued every interest with intensity, whether perfecting his golf swing, mastering Pac-Man, or cheering on his favorite teams. When no sports were on, he might even turn to a spelling bee, because Michael loved excellence in all forms.

But Michael’s true passion was people. He invested deeply in the lives of those around him, whether teaching his daughter Michelle to count cards by age ten or helping her shoot clay pigeons. When Michelle “invented” a spinning lollipop for a school project, Michael didn’t just encourage her—he reached out to one of the world’s top patent attorneys to see if it already existed. For Michael, success wasn’t defined by titles or accolades but by the people he uplifted. He listened deeply, believed fervently, and supported unconditionally.

Michael was a proud graduate of Waite High School, where he excelled in sports, and an active member of Belmont Country Club and St. Rose Catholic Church. In his later years, he faced the challenges of dementia with the support of his beloved Dolores, and hospice care, whose compassion eased his family’s journey.

Michael is reunited in peace with Dolores, his parents Helen and Michael, and countless friends and colleagues. He is survived by his daughter Michelle and son-in-law Ivan, granddaughters Adeline and Elenore, brothers George and Larry, and a wide circle of family and friends.

To honor Michael’s extraordinary life, his family invites you to celebrate his memory by extending a helping hand to someone in need, sharing a story of kindness in his name, or pursuing your dreams with the same boundless spirit he embodied. A private service will be held in the spring to commemorate this incredible man who lived fully, loved deeply, and inspired everyone he met.