Michael P. Mehas

Michael Mehas Local Musician Dies - Michael Peter Mehas passed away at Bay Pines VA Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL on 10/13/11. Born in Hamilton, OH on 10/29/15, Mike, everybody called him Mike, took up the violin at age 5 and started his first orchestra at age 15. During WWII, he was a 1st Sgt and served in the Pacific. He married Sarah Jean Lingler, also of Hamilton, in 1943. After the war Mike and Sarah founded the Strad Music Company on High Street, later known as Mehas Music, which is now owned by his nephew, Jim Mehas. Mike continued his career as an orchestra leader in some of the area’s top night spots, including: The Lookout House, The Beverly Hills Supper Club (both in No. KY), Stouffer’s Top of the Crown, The Carousel (both in Cincinnati,) and the Manchester Inn (in Middletown). Their only child, Peter, was born in 1957. Sarah Mehas passed away in 2003 and in 2004 Mike moved to Clearwater, FL and wed Joyce Harper, originally of Cincinnati. Until his death he maintained close ties with his friends and family in the Hamilton area. He is survived by his wife Joyce of Clearwater, FL and his son Peter, of Miami, FL. Viewing and funeral services will be at the Moss-Feaster Funeral Home 693 So. Belcher Rd, Clearwater, FL 33764 Wed. Oct. 19, 2011. Viewing 9-11 AM/Service at 11 AM. A memorial service will be held in Hamilton at a time and place TBA. In his memory, donations may be made to the Bay Pines VA Hospice Unit and sent to: Bay Pines VA HCS, Hospice Unit, PO Box 5005, Bay Pines, FL. 33744.