Michael Polkabla – Pittsburgh, formerly of Donora

On May 20, 2021, Michael Polkabla lost his battle with cancer and we lost our devoted brother, uncle, and best friend. Mike will never truly leave us. As I write this, I hear his quick wit telling me not to be too mushy, and don’t exaggerate, well, he might use another word than “exaggerate,” and so I hear him admonishing me to tell the truth, just tell the truth for goodness sake. And I will tell the truth for goodness sake because that’s who Mike was … a vessel for goodness. Mike was born on Sept. 10, 1959. He graduated from Mon Valley Catholic in 1977. Mike then went on to Cal State and majored in computer science. After graduation, Mike moved to Pittsburgh and worked for IT companies, ending his career with Adonix. He often traveled to France for business and loved mentoring others. Mike is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Spina and her husband Kenneth Spina; his sister, Lois Dzik and her husband Bob Dzik; his niece, Beth Ann Stauffer and her husband Andrew Stauffer; his niece, Nicole Luijer and her husband Oliver Luijer; his nephew, Justin Dzik; his great nieces, Anna Stauffer and Eva Luijer; and his great nephew, Aiden Luijer. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Polkabla, Margaret Grabel Polkabla; and his sister, Dr. Karen Polkabla. Mike’s love of family knew no bounds. Mike was always there for everyone, a consistent friendship in your life that you could count on. His birthday cards to everyone in the family were historic, always funny, always so thought out. Mike’s cards reflected his personality, genuine and funny. Mike loved sports, especially the trifecta of Pittsburgh: Steelers, Pirates and Penguins. Mike could be a tough critic during the games, so it was always best to stay clear of him if the teams were struggling that day. But his passion and loyalty for teams also made him a standout on the teams he played on. Mike was a hard-nosed player. He was fearless and could tackle anyone in football, he was an excellent fielder in baseball, proud of his ability to turn a double play, and he was a fierce competitor in street hockey. But Mike also had a creative, gentler side. (I hear Mike laughing right now, “I have such a gentle side.”) But he did! Mike was super talented. He was a fine artist who loved drawing with his niece, Anna. And anyone who knew him knew he was a connoisseur of music with a wide range of knowledge in all genres. He often would send friends and relatives music to listen to, and like those birthday cards, he put so much thought into what he sent you. If he discovered a new musician in your rhythmic orbit, you were going to hear from Mike. Mike was also a lover of fun. He dressed up and acted in so many family videos, (joking that he should have won an Oscar for his impressive volume of work), and basically would do anything the family requested of him to make us laugh. But he also had a style about him, someone who loved to dress well and look sharp. Stating his talents and passions, however, doesn’t really get to the essence of Mike. Trying to describe his empathy for the poor or his compassion for others is more difficult, but Mike deeply felt love and a sense of devotion to those less fortunate. And during our politically charged era, Mike’s compassion was so evident in what he posted on social media. Did he join the choruses of discord? No, instead he chose to post a “daily song” or a “daily prayer.” He never wanted to hurt others. His essence, his nature, was one of heartfelt compassion and love for others. So, it’s ironic that someone willing to give so much love, never finalized his quest to find true love. But somehow, that’s OK. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be, so that Mike could be the brother, or uncle, or guardian, or reliable friend to all of us. What Mike gave to this world, to our family, to his cousins and nieces and nephew is everlasting. His life is such a strong, moving testament of mercy that he will live as long as we are here to remember. We became his family, each and every one of us who knew him and loved him. Goodbye dear brother, uncle and friend. You can rest peacefully. You found true love; it was always us. Love you forever and ever, Mike. Until we meet again. Arrangements have been entrusted to ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second St. Ext., Carroll Township/Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 24, 2021. Prayers will be recited in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2021, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Donora Campus. Interment will follow in St. Dominic Cemetery, Donora. To be socially responsible during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to require guests to obey social distancing guidelines and personal protection guidelines which include masks within the funeral home. Thank you. To share a condolence please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.