Michael was born in Cleveland, the son of the late Fredrick and Jean Herman. He was a man who never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone around him feel welcome, loved, and part of the family.
Michael was the beloved husband of Donna (nee Squire). They shared 31 years of marriage and 44 years together, building a life filled with love, laughter, family, and countless cherished memories. Michael adored Donna, and one of his greatest joys was making her laugh every single day with his endless supply of jokes and wonderful sense of humor. Together, they loved baking, celebrating the holidays, and simply enjoying life side by side.
Michael was the dear brother of Shirley (Onil) Cruz (deceased), Mary Jean (David) Banas, Violet (Alfred) Glover (deceased), Patricia (Gene) Cook (deceased), Barbara Herman (Joi Matlak) (deceased), Fred (Belinda) Herman, Francis (Brenna) Herman, Faith (Ronald, deceased) Studeny, and Sandra (Robert) Gray. He was the adored uncle of 27 nieces and nephews, with whom he shared a special bond. Spending time with his nieces and nephews brought him tremendous happiness, and he treasured every moment with them. He was also a dear friend to many and, in the truest sense, a friend to everyone.
Michael had a heart as big as his personality. He was incredibly giving, always willing to lend a hand, and never hesitated to help someone who needed him. His kindness touched countless lives, often in ways he probably never realized. He had a wonderful ability to bring people together, make them smile, and leave them with a story or a laugh to remember.
For 25 years, Michael proudly served as Head Supervisor of Custodial Services at the Cleveland Public Library. He was also an active and dedicated member of the Italian Sons and Daughters, where he served as Sergeant-at-Arms for the Cleveland District Council.
Christmas held a very special place in Michael's heart. He was lovingly known as “Santa Claus” to everyone, and he embraced the holiday with all the joy and enthusiasm he brought to everything he did. He loved decorating the house, celebrating the season, and making Christmas special for those around him. His excitement and generosity made the holidays brighter for everyone who shared them with him.
Michael had many passions and hobbies that brought him joy. He enjoyed making wine for 15 years and playing Bocce ball in a league in North Royalton. He loved good times, good friends, and good laughs. He had a wealth of jokes and a story for nearly every occasion. His humor was one of the things people loved most about him, and his laughter could fill a room.
But perhaps Michael's greatest gift was the love he gave so freely. He loved his wife, his family, and his friends with his whole heart. He was the kind of person who showed up, lent a hand, shared a laugh, and made people feel better simply by being there.
Michael leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, generosity, and beautiful memories. His absence will be deeply felt, but the joy he brought to so many lives will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his quick wit, his love of Christmas, his generosity, and most of all, for the love he shared with Donna and his family.
Michael may no longer be here to tell his jokes, decorate for Christmas, or make Donna laugh, but the love and laughter he gave us will remain forever. He was truly one of a kind, and he will be missed more than words can say.
The family will receive friends on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 23040 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake, OH 44145, where funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park, Ohio.
