Michael William Beatty's Obituary
Michael William Beatty, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, he was surrounded by his loving family throughout his 2-month illness, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, service, and laughter. He was 68 years old.
Michael was born on June 2, 1955, in Butler, Pennsylvania, to John S. and Barbara (nee Berdy) Beatty. He grew up in Lorain, Ohio, and graduated from Lorain High School in 1973. Michael was the class Vice-President and also played football and baseball for the Steelmen. Michael was a man of diverse talents and interests, and his life's journey took him on a path of artistic expression and public service.
Following his passion for performance and comedy, Michael ventured to Hollywood, California, where he joined the Groundlings Improvisational Theater group for 2 and a half years. Later, he returned to Lorain and managed a nightclub at Aquamarine before making the decision to enlist with the United States Army on January 5, 1981. Michael served as a weaponeer specialist at Ft. Louis, WA, and was stationed in Germany, where he learned to ski.
While in the Army, he also hosted his own show called "Michael After Midnight" at KQKT radio, where he delighted listeners with light rock music and infused the airwaves with his character voices. Before returning to Lorain, Michael worked at WEOL the local Lorain-Elyria radio station and also worked at a station in Columbus and developed a partnership with "Brainstorm, Inc.," a production company. He even played the masked character "Buckelman" in the film "Buckleman," a movie featured in Ohio High School Driver's Education Classes.
In 2018, Michael began a new chapter as a School Bus Driver for the City of Amherst, a role he carried out with dedication and care until 2023. He also worked as a bus driver at Cedar Point.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Michael was an active participant in his community. He served on the Board of Directors for the Lorain County Port Authority from 1999 to 2002 and contributed his time to the Lorain County Cable Task Force. He was also very proud of his letters to the editor in the Lorain Morning Journal pertaining to community issues.
Outside of his work and service, Michael had a passion for golf, ALL Cleveland sports, the Buckeyes and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was also known for being an avid reader going back and forth to the Lorain Public Library to get his books. He cherished spending time with his family and friends, creating countless memories filled with laughter and joy.
Michael leaves behind a loving family: his siblings, Sam (DeAnn) Beatty, Barbara (Albert) Wittkopp, Julie Beatty, Chris (Elaine) Beatty, and Jim (Deeann) Beatty; as well as his nephews, Jonathon, Brett, Jack, and Albert, and nieces, Aileen, Anna, Amber, Margaret and Katherine. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Barbara Berdy Beatty.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, located at 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 8:00 p.m. Interment will take place on Friday, August 11, 2023, at 11:15 a.m. at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests contributions be made in memory of Michael to Amherst High School Girls Soccer or Swim team, causes close to his heart.
Michael William Beatty will be dearly missed but forever remembered for his vibrant spirit, creative soul, and selfless heart. May his legacy live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com.
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