Stanley V. Michota Jr.

Stanley Michota, age 88, of Mission Viejo, CA passed away peacefully on Friday, February 3, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Judith, nee Harloff (2004) and his wife of 5 years, Carol, previously Ronlov (2011).

Stanley leaves behind his loving children Lisa Wightman (James) of Columbus, Ohio, Michael Michota (Jennifer) of Mission Viejo, California, Jennifer Scheper (Steven) of Charlotte, North Carolina; his stepdaughter Julia Ronlov of Portland, Oregon; his brother Dr. Franklin Michota (Carol); his brother-in-law Steven (Jane); and was a proud grandfather to his ten grandchildren Emily Jay (Ian Breidenbach), Katherine Jay, Lee Michota, Megan Michota, Jaden Michota, Evan Michota, Abigail Scheper, Ethan Scheper, Kirra Ronlov and Anja Ronlov.

Stan was born May 11, 1934 to Dr. Stanley and Jane Michota, nee Pizzi, in Cleveland, Ohio. He and his parents moved to Toledo, Ohio, shortly after, where Stan “Sonny” had a loving upbringing along with his younger brother Frank “Buddy” in a home filled with music, singing and great food. After graduating from Scott High School in 1952, Stan went on to attend Case Institute of Technology (now Case Western Reserve University) where he was an athlete on the varsity swim team, a bass singer in the glee club, a proud member of the Ohio Epsilon chapter of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and was Secretary Treasurer of the Case Senate. He graduated in 1956 with his degree in Engineering Administration. A year later, after meeting on a successful blind date, Stan and Judy were wed. They started their family of three children in Toledo, Ohio where Stan began his career as an industrial engineer.

Stan’s professional interests quickly turned to urban development in Toledo. Then in 1963, he was named Planning and Development Director of the University Circle Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. From there his passion for large scale commercial real estate development grew and in 1974 he joined the John W. Galbraith Company in Columbus, Ohio. In 1980 he accepted an offer from Cadillac Fairview to take his talents west to Los Angeles, California. He would go on to become President of Ahmanson Commercial Development. Eventually, Stan ended his career at the helm of his own consulting firm, as President and CEO of The Michota Company. Stan’s prolific career left an indelible mark on the skylines of cities throughout Ohio, California and many states in between.

Stan will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He had a robust sense of humor and was quick to share a well told joke or the classic “dad” joke. He had a love of music he learned at an early age and took any opportunity to sing along to the classics. He enjoyed the symphony and listening to live jazz. He especially relished the times he traveled to Florida to hear his brother Frank on drums jamming with his band. Stan was a sports enthusiast. He was a strong swimmer and played racquetball for many years. He truly developed his love for golf after his move to California where he was a member of the Virginia Country Club in Long Beach. Stan never forgot his Ohio roots and always cheered for the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) and the Cleveland Browns. He was an active long-time member of the California Club in downtown Los Angeles where he fostered many friendships. He loved attending his high school and university reunions and keeping up with old friends. His happiest times were when he was sharing a good meal and good bottle of wine around a table with family and friends. After the tragic loss of two wives, Stan relocated to Mission Viejo, California where he was under the watchful and unceasing care of his son Mike until his death.

Services honoring Stan will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Pacific View Mortuary and Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please help support Junior Golf by donating to the SCPGA Foundation. All donations will generate grant awards in the name of Stanley V. Michota, Jr. These grants provide aide to young golfers who have a passion for golf, but lack the resources for necessary equipment and tournament fees.

You may donate online at https://register.bluegolf.com/secure/scpga22/charity/start?pgm=socfypdonatetoday