Michael Gunias passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on the morning of September 12, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Mike was born in Canton, Ohio, on August 28, 1970, to Barbara Bell and Ronald Gunias. He was a graduate of GlenOak High School. Mike was a devoted husband to his wife of 22 years, Suzanne Gunias. A true jack of all trades, Mike dedicated his life to serving others and working hard. Throughout his life, he worked as a police officer, U.S. Marshal, farmer, carpenter, and truck driver.

Mike was preceded in death by his in-laws, Alan and Janet Yingling; and his grandparents, Thelma and Harold Pigott and Virginia Gunias.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Suzanne Gunias; parents, Barb (Mark) Bell and Ron (Mel) Gunias; sister, Nicole Pigott; brothers-in-law, Tim (Maureen) Yingling and Ed (Joy) Yingling; nieces, Jordan (Mitchell) Nelson and Grace Yingling; nephews, Evan (Natalee) Pigott, Thomas Yingling, and Philip Yingling; great-niece, Emersyn Nelson; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.

Those who knew Mike will remember him as a hardworking, caring, stubborn, and deeply dedicated man. Mike was not a man of many words, but he never needed to be. He showed people how much he cared through his actions. He was the kind of person who was there when someone needed him—ready to lend a hand, offer support, or quietly take care of whatever needed to be done. He had a heart for helping others and took great pride in looking out for and mentoring those around him.

His love for the safety and well-being of children was evident day in and day out through his work and in the way he cared for and protected his nieces and nephews. His work with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was perhaps the greatest reflection of that passion and remains one of the accomplishments of which he was most proud.

Mike’s love for animals was a special part of who he was. He could never turn away an animal in need and had a way of making every animal feel like family. Throughout his life, he opened his heart and home to countless dogs and cats, each holding a special place in his heart. Sloopy, Bear, Snuggles, Benny, Nemo, Henry, Sky, Dakota, Bumper, the Buds, Bandit, and Gidget were more than pets to Mike—they were his family. He loved them fiercely, cared for them endlessly, and took great joy in their companionship.

The cows, affectionately known as “the girls,” were another source of pride and happiness. He loved checking on them early in the morning, feeding them sweet corn and pumpkin treats “to spoil them,” and chasing them when they broke through the fence—not really. Mike’s ability to love and care for animals was just another reflection of his patient and compassionate heart.

His garage was his sanctuary—a place where he could work on projects, relax, and simply enjoy being in his own space. Mike also loved entertaining others with his grilling and meat-smoking skills and found great enjoyment in bringing people together around good food, music, laughs, and a cold beer. If Mike was cooking, there was always enough to feed one more, and there was rarely a dull moment, especially when he would light a bonfire on the farm or on the patio with neighbors.

Mike enjoyed the simple things in life—a cold Busch Light, a Marlboro Red cigarette, and time spent doing the things he loved most. He had a deep love for fishing, boats, and being out on Lake Erie with friends and family, where he could enjoy the water and the freedom that came with it. He also found peace and solitude in the quiet of the outdoors, whether it was the stillness of an early morning or the calm of a late evening. Those quiet moments outside gave Mike a sense of peace and were often when he was happiest, simply taking in the world around him.

In the final chapter of his life, Mike found a different kind of peace. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, finding comfort and faith as he faced the end of his journey. His family takes comfort in knowing that he made that decision and that he is now at peace.

Whether he was on the farm, in the garage, out on the lake, helping a friend with a project, surrounded by animals, or gathered around a table with family and friends, Mike was happiest with the simple things in life. He will be remembered for his strong-willed personality, generous heart, stubborn determination, love of animals, and unwavering dedication to the people and things that mattered most to him. Above all, Mike will be deeply missed by the family and friends who were lucky enough to know and love him.

In accordance with Mike’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Instead, a Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Yingling Farm from 5:00–8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Mike requested that contributions be made to Akron Children’s Hospital in his honor:https://give.akronchildrens.org/give/546472#!/donation/checkout