Harry E. "Pete" Michelson, Jr.

Harry E. "Pete" Michelson, Jr., 98, of Bolivar passed away at his home on Saturday, December 29, 2018.

Born June 1, 1920 in Akron, Ohio he was the son of the late Harry Sr., and Inga Nelsen Michelson. Harry was also preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Michelson on December 28, 1997, his second wife, Mary E. “Ish” Gearhart on January 10, 2018, and his sister, Carol M. King.

Harry was a graduate of East High School in Akron; he started his military career during WW II with the Army Air Corps in 1941, and retired in 1964 from the United States Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He had over 21,000 hours in the air, flew 125 flights during the Berlin Air Lift, was a pilot instructor with C-54 and C-118 aircraft, and was the Director of Aerospace Programs with the USAF Headquarters in Washington DC. Following his service, Harry was a corporate pilot for McNeil Corporation for 25 years. He was a member of the Mt. Akra #680 F&AM in Akron, Military Officers Association of America, Akron Quiet Bird Hanger at Akron Canton Airport, and the National Skeet Shooting Association in San Antonio, Texas where he became a Master Referee, and was named 2008 Referee of the Year.

Harry is survived by his daughter, Sandra Michelson of Florida; son, Michael J. (Maryellen) Michelson of Arkansas; step-daughter, Mary Pat Cree of Powell; grandson, Scott (Peggy Jo) George; great granddaughters, Kara (Nathan) Everett and Kori (Ryan) Holbrook.

Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover. There are no services or calling hours. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Harry may do so by visiting the online obituaries link on the funeral home’s website.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Patriot Project at 525 North Main Street, North Canton, Ohio 44720.