Michael Cyril Pohorence's Obituary
Michael Cyril Pohorence, age 83, passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born on October 16, 1939 in Lorain, Ohio to Michael and Joan (nee Rybarczyk) Pohorence and graduated from Amherst Central High School in 1957.
Michael had a impressive career, which started when he enlisted with the United States Marines at the rank of Private, stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. After his discharge, he began his career at the Ford Motor Company, where he served as the President and Chairman of the UAW Local 425 and International UAW for over 40 years.
Throughout his career, Michael was passionate about helping people secure employment at Ford Motor Company. He was instrumental in organizing the Lorain County Labor Agency, the Lorain County Labor Day Festival, the UAW Lorain County Cap Council, the Lorain Police Department Union, and sat on numerous boards to help the families in Lorain County. He also worked on several non-profit and political groups and ran for the position of Lorain County Commissioner. In the 1960’s, he served as a district committeeman, and on the bargaining committee in the 1970’s. His hard work and dedication were recognized with numerous awards.
Michael’s work in organizing labor agencies and councils, as well as all his involvement in non-profit and political groups, demonstrates a commitment to improving the lives around him. It’s admirable that he continued to serve his community even after his retirement as the President of UAW Local 425 Retiree’s.
He was a man who always strived for personal success and could never say no to anyone. He enjoyed gardening, horses, Mustang cars, and motorcycles. He especially loved traveling to Nevada. As a young boy, he grew up in his father’s boxing gym, Mickey’s AC, and began boxing in his junior year of high school. He enjoyed working with the 4-H Club at the Lorain County Fair, and was a member of the Amherst American Legion, an honorary member of the NAACP, the Meadowlarks Motorcycle Club, and AA, where he was a sponsor and role model for the many he helped to change their lives.
Michael will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable life. His legacy of hard work, dedication, and compassion for others will continue to inspire generations to come.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sharon (nee Myers); children, Gerald (Susan) Pohorence, of Huron, Patrick (Bonnie) Pohorence, of Amherst, Cyndee (David) Dickel, of Vermilion, and Larry Bishop, of Florida; grandchildren, Daniel (DJ) Pohorence, Megan Pohorence, Emily Pohorence, Sophie Pohorence, Grace (Alice) Pohorence, Jordan Dickel, and Jadeyn Dickel; great-grandchildren, Ivy Price, and future baby Dickel; and brother-in-law, Fred Catanzarite, of Vermilion.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, Michael A. Pohorence, in 1957; mother, Joan Pohorence, in 1994; son, Daniel Pohorence, in 2012; brother, Gerald Pohorence, in 1962; and his sisters, Mary Lou Diedrick, in 2015, and Janice Catanzarite, in 2020.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 2:00 – 6:30 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. A Service will follow the visitation at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral center. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 512 N. Main Street, Wellington, Ohio 44090. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHUCH. Rev. Father David Trask, pastor, will officiate. Private interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be made in memory of Michael to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?