It is with a sorrowful heart that our family announces the passing of Michael David Stitzlein, 72, beloved, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He passed on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Aultman Hospital in Canton after a long battle with Idiopathic lung disease. Michael never smoked.
Mike is the first son of Conard and Nancy (Kline) Stitzlein, they survive. He was born December 1, 1952, and grew up on the family farm in Glenmont, Ohio. He graduated from West Holmes High School Class of 1970 where he was in the band. He has stayed close to many of his classmates to this day. They would meet once a month for dinner and he treasured those times. He graduated from The Ohio State University and was a lifelong supporter of the Buckeyes. He went onto Ashland University for his MBA in Marketing.
Since 1988 Mike has been the face of Tricor Industrial Corporation in Wooster, Ohio and its offices of sales and manufacturing in several states. He was recently on the Board of Directors for the International Titanium Association and The Materials Technology Institute. For almost 40 years his business has sent him around the world. He had a passion for history, art and architecture. He was a member of the Wooster Elks and played on many golf leagues throughout the years. He loved hunting for morels each spring and working on family genealogy.
Michael leaves to mourn his wife of 34 years Cheryl, their daughter Andrea (Jeff) Muter, his son Jeremy (Yoon) Stitzlein, son Jon (Shea) Stitzlein, daughter Jamie (Joey) Aufrance, stepson James (Ariel) Lepore, stepson Douglas (Amanda) Lepore. His sister Sue (Randy) Sponseller, sister Sally (Lenny) Gonzalez, brother Mark (Kathy) Stitzlein, brother Matt (Kelli) Stitzlein. Also, his 14 beautiful grandchildren, Emerson, Vivian, Michael, Grace, Conar, Jacobi, Mia, Brynley, Nash, Dorothy, Marina, Xenia, Simon and Michaela as well as many nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will be held.
Friends will be received on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
I have known Mike for over 38 years. We first worked together at Astro Metallurgical, and later I had the privilege of working for him here at Tricor. Over the years, we developed not only a strong working relationship but also a deep and personal friendship.
We didn’t always see eye to eye, and that was okay—our mutual respect always carried us through. We shared countless memorable moments, and I will always cherish the time we spent together. Mike truly cared about people, no matter the situation. His compassion and character left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
I’ve lost a dear friend—someone who always cared.
Mary and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Mike’s family during this time of mourning. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike touched many lives, including ours, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Prayers to all who knew and loved Mike. I have fond memories from high school with Mike. I remember fondly, and his teasing me for years of him being the get away driver one fun filled fall night. Mike will be forever missed by many. He always had a gentle laugh that would make you smile. May our Father in Heaven guide your footsteps in the days to come. Mike will be forever in our hearts. Hugs to all.
It’s very sad to hear this news. I’m happy I was able to spend time with Mike when he was at Aultman Hospital. I’ve never, ever heard a negative comment about him. I enjoyed working for him. He was a leader who trusted you to do your very best each day. To know you are trusted is a valuable motivation. That is what I respected most about Mike. He was one the finest gentleman I’ve ever met. Your suffering is over my friend.
Jeff & I would like to extend deepest condolences to Mike’s family, friends & his classmates. We have all lost a dear friend. Rest in peace dear Michael. Your legacy will live on through your children and those precious grandchildren !
You will be deeply missed.
As a classmate, friend, and employee, I too extend my deepest condolences to Mike’s family! I am so thankful that I was able to visit with him this past May. We had shared many good times and many good memories from Astro Met and Tricor. Will never forget. The world lost someone special! May he rest in peace!
I was really sad to hear of Mike’s passing. My true condolences to Mike’s family and friends. As a fellow class of 70 alumni, I know he will be missed by all.
With great sorrow hear the news. Mike was our customer and business partner for many years. But he was more – he was a wise, kind, and generous Man who touched us and others in many ways. His warmth, intelligence, and genuine goodness will always be remembered. His legacy will live on forever.
We are very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was always kind and we had many good conversations over the years. Our thoughts are with the entire Stitzlein family.
Craig & BJ Stitzlein family
Our Condolences to the family of Mike. So young and many classmates gone to soon Robin worked with Sally and I went to school with Mike and Sue. So sorry for his parents and family.
Sally & families.. sincere condolences on the passing of your brother Mike . He always had that soft voice and contagious smile . May GODs love comfort each of you as the healing begins. Mike touched so many life’s & will be sadly missed. Heaven received an amazing gentleman as he entered hearing those words” well done good & faithful servant “
Rest in Peace Mike. You will be missed by many.
Rest in Peace Mike.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stitzlein family.
The Stitzlein Family, my condolences on the passing of Mike. Mike was a good man and will be missed in the Wooster Community.
Thoughts and Prayers to the family.
My condolences to the Stitzlein family. Man was a good and kind man and will be greatly missed.
Sally and family,
I’m so very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
-Tami
My condolences to the family.
For those who had the privilege of knowing him, Mike was not only a great man, but a true friend. His advice was always honest, his support was unconditional, and his door was always open. Mike wasn’t just a boss, he was a leader who inspired those around him with his wisdom, generosity, and unwavering belief in their potential. He was a beloved friend, mentor, and pillar of support to many. Knowing Mike was a gift, as he positively impacted my life in so many ways. Mike, thank you for everything (the list is indeed long).
Go Buckeyes!
Conard,Nancy, Cheryl, &children & all of Mike’s family: Sincere condolences on the passing of Mike. Was hoping science would come up with something to help his situation. We are so glad we were able to get down to see him. Mike was a great person and a good friend to many who will miss him immensely. Thankful he is free from pain & suffering that he has endured for several years now . Rest in Peace Mike & know you live on in many ❤️ 🙏🏻✝️🙏🏻
My condolences to the family. Mike was a good person and easy to talk to. He will be missed by everyone. God speed
My condolences to all who loved and knew Michael. I had many conversations with him about business and the industry. I enjoyed our conversations, often at MTI conferences. He will be missed by all who knew him.
I still clearly remember the time when you came to visit us ten years ago. Kind, gentle and young in your sixties. We appreciate and treasure your kindness and openness in doing business with us. Our sincere condolences to Mike’s family! Rest in peace, Mike!
My condolences to the ones who love and know Michael.
He visited our facility in Baoji and we had a deep conversation about cooperation before.
I also met him many times in the US, we talked about businesss and cooperation.
He impressed me a lot, a very kind person and very very dedicated to his work.
All staffs from Baoji Unique Titanium will miss him.
Rest in Peace Michael, our good friend!
Hey Cheryl,
Sarah and I want to express our condolences to you and your family in this difficult time.
Wayne and Sarah
We’re sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. We offer our sincere condolences to their family and your entire team during this hard time.
My condolences to the family.
Mike was more than a business partner; he was a true friend and a man of unwavering integrity. For over thirty years, we had the privilege of working alongside him and witnessing firsthand his dedication, wisdom, and deep care for people.
He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and leadership that touched everyone who knew him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all whose lives he graced. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
— With respect and sorrow,
Joan Zheng, Mr. Zheng, and all of us at SLT
I just received this news and I still can’t believe it. We didn’t have many opportunities to co operate business wise, but we had over the last 28 years many opportunities to meet and have dinner or launch together
I can only express my condolences to the family and colleagues and my thoughts and prayers are with the Stitzlein family
Mike’s leadership and dedication to his team shaped Tricor’s success and left a lasting legacy. My condolences to his family and the Tricor team. Thank you, Mike, for your profound impact.
On behalf of the entire teams of Cap.co. srl and Ti Service srl, we would like to express our deepest condolences on the passing of our esteemed partner, Michael Stitzlein.
His professionalism, dedication, and humanity left a lasting mark on all of us who had the privilege to work with him.
He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and friends during this time of sorrow.
Cheryl,
My condolences to you and your family in this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Stitzlein Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have an incredible family. Please know how much your guidance and friendship has meant to my family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I condolences to the entire Stitzlein family. I literally have known Mike my entire life. We would not run into each other very often but when we did, we were able to talk about all the times we spent together growing up. Mike will be missed by many people
Sending hugs and sincere sympathy to Mike’s family and to everyone who loved him. I am so sorry that he has left this world so soon. He was kind man of integrity and will be missed by many. Prayers for all of you going forward.
To Conard Stitzlein and your entire family
My sincere condolences on the passing of Mike. I was privileged to work with Mike on Tricors Insurance for 30 years. We had a great business relationship
My condolences. We truly enjoyed working with Mike over the years. He will be missed.
The team at President Titanium sends our deepest condolences to the Stitzlein family and the team at Tricor. Mike will be missed but what he had built over the years is a testament to his love for the industry, and more importantly, to his family. 🙏
We offer our sincere condolences to the Stitzlein family. Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Cheryl & the entire Stitzlein family
We are so sorry to hear about Mikes passing. He was a wonderful man & had become a good friend. We shared the love of OHIO State football & tailgated the last 20 years together. Today on Ohio States 1st game of the season, Mike popped up in my photo memories.
Sending hugs & prayers to get you through this difficult time..🙏🏼
I was a Field Salesman for Castle Metals and started calling on Mike Stitzlein along with Ron Kracjik, Mary Ellen Fulk and Shirley (??) way back in 1982! That was a great group to visit in Wooster, OH and we always had lots of laughs! Mike was a great guy and was very knowledgeable regarding all things Titanium. I played golf with him several times over the years and we shared many meals together talking about all manner of topics from cars to golf to movies and every now and then we would even talk about business. It was always a pleasure to see him at the various tradeshows and conferences. He will be missed by many, many people in this industry. RIP my friend.
Very sorry to see this. I knew Mike from my days at Haynes; we went to the Masters together back in 2018. Mike was a wonderful person.
Good