SHARPSVILLE, Pennsylvania (MyValleyTributes) – Michael James Chavara, 71, of Sharpsville, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in his home.

Mr. Chavara was born on May 25, 1952, in Sharon, a son of the late William and Mary Jane (Chnapko) Chavara. He was a 1970 graduate of Farrell High School and attended Pittsburgh University.

During the Vietnam War, he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

Upon his honorable discharge, Mike returned home and worked as a steelworker for more than 30 years at Sharon Tube. 

Mike was a member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage.

He loved to socialize and compete with others. He had recently taken to pickleball and played year-round at Buhl Park and the YMCA, both in Hermitage. Additionally, Mike was an avid bingo player and always looked forward to gathering with friends for a weekly “Trivia Night.” He was an excellent card player and especially enjoyed beating his sons at 500 Bid. He was a voracious reader and lifelong learner and never lost his curiosity and wonder about life. He loved his family unconditionally. He took in the outdoors by walking several miles a day and gardening. 

His wife, the former Kathy Turner, whom he married on April 4, 1980, passed away on August 20, 2014.

He is survived by three sons, Michael J. Chavara and his wife, Terry and Ryan T. Chavara, both of Pittsburgh and Robin A. Chavara of Wilmington, North Carolina; three sisters, Rose Skero (Tim) of Clark, Elaine Simonik (Dave) and Janie Griffith (Ken), both of Hermitage; six brothers, Joe Chavara (Barb) of Palm Coast, Florida, John Chavara (Patty), Tom Chavara (Lisa) and Tim Chavara (Diane), all of Hermitage, David Chavara (Kathy) of Wexford, Pennsylvania and Charlie Chavara (Kelly) of Sharon and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Michael was preceded in death by two brothers, Steve and William Chavara.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the American Red Cross, at www.redcross.org.

Calling hours will be 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State Street, Sharon.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 30 in the Church of the Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Road, Hermitage, with Rev. Richard Allen, pastor, as celebrant.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

A television tribute will air Sunday, March 26 at the following approximate times: 8:58 a.m. on WKBN and 7:58 p.m. on FOX. Video will be posted here the day of airing.