NEW WATERFORD — Michael R. Minamyer, 78, passed away on the early morning of Nov. 17, 2023, at the Hospice House in Poland following a brief illness.
Mike was born Sept. 18, 1945, son of Virginia June Mahon Randolf, who preceded him in death. He was raised in Negley and was a 1963 graduate of East Palestine High School where he was known by the nickname “Sparky.”
Mike had resided in New Springfield since 1978 after his marriage to Becky Linhart, where he resided for 34 years, before moving to New Waterford for the past 13 years. Mike worked at Welsh Motors right out of high school and was there for 47 years. He was proud to have worked for his best friend, Larry Welsh. He served as service manager for the last 25 years prior to retirement. Mike always treated his customers with professionalism and honesty, making many new friends. As a mechanic, Mike loved collecting and restoring classic cars.
After retirement in 2011, he and his wife Becky created New Me’s Pies, LLC. With this, his love for baking was born. They made lots of pies, cookies and tarts, selling them in Boardman at the DeBartolo bldg. and also, Moon Township Park Music and Robinson Farmers Market. In the year 2023, Mike rolled 6,000 pounds of pie crust, he had that figured out. Love for pies and New Me’s Pie customers were a top priority. He always treated everyone special, radiating friendliness and love for each and every customer that approached the tables. Going to car shows, selling pies and ice cream and interacting with the public were a highlight for him.
Mike was an active member of New Springfield Church of God since 1978. He served as trustee and head usher for many years. He was also involved in many prayer groups and other activities.
Mike is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Becky Linhart, who he married on Oct. 20, 1978. Mike was also survived by a daughter, Traci Robinson (Jim) Meek of East Palestine; four sons, Michael “Mick” (Cassidy) Minamyer of New Waterford, Corey (Kristen) Minamyer of New Middletown, Jeremy (Charly) Minamyer of Concord, N.C., Kyle (Meredyth) of Columbiana; 10 grandchildren, Madison Meek, Justin Meek, Jayden, Jaxon, Liam, Aubree, Cash and Memphis Minamyer, Hadleigh Smith and Emma Smith; as well as his “special fur baby” Marlee, his mini golden doodle, who always took priority.
He was also preceded in death by his father- and mother-in-law, Bill and Gene Daley Linhart of New Springfield.
Mike donated his body to the Cleveland Clinic Body Donation Program for the advancement of medical science. Mike was always giving.
A celebration of life will be held 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at the New Springfield Church of God, 3649 E. Garfield Road, New Springfield, OH 44443. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services from 5 to 6 p.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to the New Springfield Church of God’s Land Purchase. Memorials can be mailed to the church 3649 E. Garfield Road, New Springfield, OH 44443 or online at www.NSCOG.com.
Linsley-Royal Funeral Home in East Palestine is in charge of arrangements.
www.linsley-royal.com
11/21/23