Michael Stimac

12.10.2024.

5:00pm

Michael J. Stimac, 101, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024. He was born August 13, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio to Peter and Anna (Sokolich) Stimac both of whom immigrated from Croatia. He is survived by his spouse of 54 years, Ornella (Paggi) Stimac, and daughter Antonella Stimac Bath (spouse Charles S. Bath).

He was a wonderful grandfather to Anna and Lillian Bath. Michael, a man of Catholic faith, lived a productive, visionary and adventurous life. As a teacher at St. Joseph’s High School in Cleveland during the 1950’s, he began a ham radio club that tracked Sputnik, the first satellite in space. In the late 1950’s he earned a Master’s degree in Nuclear Physics from The Ohio State University.

During the 1960’s as a pilot with a passion for flying and doing missionary work, he helped found United Missionary Air Training and Transport (UMATT) as well as Wings for Progress in Africa. These were flight programs to assist in taking medical supplies to those in need throughout Africa, while flying civilians from remote areas to hospitals for life saving medical care.

Famous cartoonist Milton Caniff captured UMATT and Michael’s likeness in the comic strip Steve Canyon. During the 1970’s-80’s Michael worked for Trans World Airlines (TWA) in Saudi Arabia, which enabled him to travel with his wife and daughter across the Middle East, Europe and Asia. His travel experiences led to a deep and humble respect for cultures and faiths outside his own and culminated in his 467-page autobiography.

He will be deeply missed by family and friends around the world. A private funeral service will be held at the family’s request.


FOTO: Private

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