Michael Joseph Ewanits, 81, of Latrobe, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024 at Independence Health System Latrobe Hospital after a short but fierce battle with cancer.

Born July 26, 1943 in Whitney, he was a son of the late George L. and Catherine M (Orischak) Ewanits. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia A. (Tylka) Ewanits; a sister, Rose Marie Sherback; an infant brother, Michael J. Ewanits; and a son-in-law.

Michael was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Latrobe. Prior to his retirement, he was employed at Latrobe Brewing Company for 43 years where he learned how to fix any and all things mechanical. He could not stay idle long, so after retirement he began working at Glenngarry Golf Links taking care of the grounds. He was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Slovak Club, Burrell Township Rod & Gun Club, Derry Rod & Gun Club, Roadman-White American Legion Post 941, Donegal Veterans Association and V.F.W. Post No. 211, Youngwood. He was a former member of Westmoreland County Four Wheel Drive Club (WESCO) where he and Patty enjoyed racing their bright green 4x4 Jeep.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and wildlife and nature photography. He spent many hours traveling the back roads to photograph deer, birds and even a bear. He was known to all as a man who would help anyone and fix anything.

Michael is survived by four daughters, Michaelle R. Buskey of Lewis, DE, Lisa A. Mears of Monroeville, Marsha L. Ewanits of Lewis, DE, and Tara J. Ewanits and her partner Jonathan Patterson of Latrobe; one brother, Lawrence Ewanits of Latrobe; three sisters, Denise Rudnick, and her husband Richard, of Florida, Deborah Harvan of Florida, and Georgeann Long, and her husband Greg, of Derry; two grandchildren, Samantha Mears and Jacob Mears; his companion, Margaret “Peggy” Noel; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends will be received from 4 to 8 pm Friday at the Lopatich-Brinker Funeral Home, LLC, 601 Weldon Street, Latrobe. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Church, Latrobe with the Rev. E. George Saletrik as celebrant. Private interment will be at St. Vincent Cemetery.