Michael Keith Borkan

Loving and dutiful brother, son, uncle, and cousin; loyal and much-loved friend; proud New Jersey native; devoted 43-year Cleveland Heights denizen; venerable HVAC whiz and the man behind Mike’s Heating and Cooling (est. 1983); committed coffee shop patron; pizza connoisseur on an endless search for the perfect slice; prolific and irreverent storyteller; lifelong lover of music, animals, garlic, and a good steam; independent spirit; family man, funny man, heating man, and singular human being—crossed over at home on May 26, 2023 at 9:33 am after a prolonged and courageous battle with cardiac sarcoidosis. Mike navigated his illness and passing by the same principles with which he navigated his life: wild optimism, focus on the present, defiance in the face of difficult odds, tender connection with family and friends, and a healthy respect for the mysteries of life.

Mike was born on April 28, 1952 in Newark, NJ, raised in Westfield, NJ, and passed away on a sunny morning in Cleveland Heights, OH, surrounded by his adoring and heartbroken family. His final wish was to die at home, in the red house on Wilton Road where he lived with his family for 29 years.

Mike is survived by his treasured wife of 35 years, Christine (Christie) Elizabeth Borkan (née Edwards); their children Dr. Jessie Diana Borkan (Ben Platt) of Brooklyn, NY, Sarah Elizabeth Borkan (Jimmy Gugar) of Lakewood, OH, and Anna Rachel Borkan of Cleveland, OH; his dear sister Ellen (Chick) Atkins of North Caldwell, NJ; nephews Dr. Daniel Atkins, Cory Atkins, and Jamie Atkins; and many cherished friends. He is preceded in death by his loving parents Gerald and Doris (née Steinman) Borkan, aunts and uncles Mel, Florence, Sherman, Rene, Vivienne, Evalyn, Ben, and Shosh, grandparents, and countless other long-missed family and friends.

The family will receive friends at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 South Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 on Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 10 to 11 AM.

Memorial services for Michael will immediately follow the visitation at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz on Sunday at 11 AM.

To view this service virtually at 11 AM on Sunday please navigate to the Services section below and click on "JOIN LIVESTREAM." Recording will be available following the service.

Interment will take place at Lake View Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 immediately following the service.

The family will then receive friends following the burial until 8 PM at the Borkan residence: 1796 Wilton Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bkbmc.com for the Borkan family.

In lieu of flowers, Mike requested that those wishing to honor his memory adopt a cat in need; alternatively, he suggested mourners “can purchase and eat a deli sandwich of their choosing.” For those looking to perform tzedakah in his memory, the family encourages mourners to donate resources or take direct action in your community by connecting with local service organizations supporting neighbors in need. Some Cleveland-based ideas:

Saint Herman House - wraparound support for unhoused men

Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless

Frontline Mobile Crisis - crisis mental health services

National Alliance on Mental Illness, Cleveland Chapter

Cleveland Rape Crisis Center

Seeds of Literacy - GED and continued education assistance

Meals on Wheels - food delivery for vulnerable communities

Preterm - reproductive and sexual health clinic

Laura's Home - wraparound support for unhoused women and children

Esperanza Inc. - educational and professional support for the Hispanic community