Michael J. Guman

Michael Joseph Guman 93, of Williamsfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully surround by his children on Monday, September 9, 2024.He was born March 18, 1931 in Lakewood, Ohio the son of Joseph and Helen (Vatrol) Guman.

As a young man growing up in Lakewood, Dad worked at local bakeries and tree farms to help with his family expenses. When not enjoying swimming & canvassing the Lake Erie Shoreline or ice skating at the local parks, he would be found at Hoffmans Gym, weightlifting, bodybuilding and learning boxing techniques from Charlie Vincie. He continued with the sport, earning several medals in local competitions while serving in the Korean War Conflict.

Returning to his home town of Lakewood, Ohio he quickly became employed with the City of Lakewood, where soon thereafter he purchased a small farm in Cherry Valley, Ohio. Dad met Mom in Lakewood; they married then made Cherry Valley their home while trying his hand at dairy farming with a small herd.

As children came into the picture, Mom & Dad moved back home, settled into our Lakewood house, yet keeping the little farm for future visits. Now, as Supervisor of Lakewood Parks & Recreation Tree Division and the development of Guman Tree Service, he was known for much more than a Tree Surgeon. Dads’ footprint throughout Northeast Ohio, is still visible today in the canopy of Trees he planted throughout the city streets of Clifton, Edgewater & Lake Road, Madison & Lakewood Parks. With less than a high school education, he was avid reader, educating himself on tree propagation then becoming licensed by the State Ohio. Pecan & peach trees in the backyard of our Lakewood home was unheard at the time, yet it was it was the beginning of planting his footprint.

As his children grew, so did his yearning to try it again at Dairy Farming in Williamsfield, Ohio. For many years, with the help of his family, he was a successful Dairy Farmer yet he continued spreading his footprint in planting fruit & a variety of nut trees, grafting & exploring new varieties. He planted several apple, walnut, pecan, chestnut & paw paw trees on his farm, in his children’s backyards and in those that were once pastured grounds.

Beyond farming, tree and garden interests he had a passion for discovering &, sharing the history of Northeastern Ohio Native Americans & Settlers who lived in the area. Dad was a storyteller, teacher, adventurer, inventor, athlete, arborist and a prankster! His sense of humor, laughter, ingenuity and curiosity will be missed, but his footprint will continue to bear fruit, change color with the seasons and be a quiet visual reminder of the paths he once traveled.

He is survived by his brother Joseph Guman of Cleveland, OH, son Greg Guman (Marla) of Kinsman, OH, son Nathan Guman (Ruth Ann) of Kinsman, Ohio, and his daughter Donna Fink (Bill) of Strongsville, OH. Grandfather of Neil & Roman Guman, Evan & Michael Fink. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne, daughter, Gale, brother Bill and sisters Anne, Hellen, and Susan.

Michael was laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Yvonne and daughter, Gale at Lakewood Park Cemetery in Rocky River, OH.