MICHAEL W. AHERN fought the good fight, kept the faith, and finished the race at age 79 on September 24, 2023.  He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Ellen (nee Mosher); children Sean Ahern (Colleen), Kevin Ahern (Lorene), and Meghan DuBois (Jim); grandchildren Emily (fiancé Kile Fisher), Brendan, Erin and Jason Ahern, as well as Toby, Liam and Molly DuBois; great granddaughter Kilynn Fisher; brother Stephen Ahern (Lynne), sister Janice Ahern (the late John Patterson) and sister-in-law Francie Riley; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, William F. Ahern Jr. & Gertrude Cahill Ahern; sisters Patricia Ahern, and infant Mary Kathleen Ahern, brother Kerry Ahern, and infant nephew Timothy Ahern.Mike was a devoted Catholic and an Akron native, attending St. Sebastian School and Hoban High School, class of 1961.  He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.  His high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen, and he were married in 1965.  They were married for 57 years, his faithful love and devotion to Mary Ellen inspired many.Mike worked as an electrical engineer prior to rejoining the family business, Ahern's Florist in 1970. He contributed to the family business for over 35 years.  During that time, Mike became a progressive leader in floral industry and civic organizations.  He served in multiple leadership positions in the Society of American Florists and the Ohio Florists' Association.  He founded and lead the Akron Co-op Delivery Association, streamlining delivery for multiple florists across the city.  He was a member of the Akron Regional Development Board, Commerce Club of Akron and the Fairlawn Chamber of Commerce.  Mike also enjoyed teaching economics to eighth graders through Junior Achievement and florist business management to students at the Ohio State University Agricultural Extension.  Mike worked very hard for a living, but also made time for family vacations, his kids' sports, his faith, and numerous activities at St. Hilary Catholic Church. He was a Eucharistic Minister, passionate choir member, and served as President of Parish Council.  Mike was known as "Mr. J.O.Y.", having helped organize so many Jesus, Others and You retreats at St. Hilary.  He also sponsored several people in the process of converting to Catholicism.   He was very proud of his kids and grandkids and would say frequently that they are all good people.  He particularly enjoyed epic two square tournaments with Sean and Kevin, guerilla badminton games with Kevin and meeting Meghan in Cleveland for breakfast and hugs.  He also participated in a mens' faith group with Sean.  Mike struggled with Alzheimer's for many years, but remarkably maintained his kind and gentle nature throughout.  We are told he was the most beloved resident of Anna Maria of Aurora.  Many will miss him dearly until we see him again.  Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 WEST AURORA RD (OH RT 82), SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023, FROM 4-7 P.M. All are asked to gather at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 West Market Street (OH RT 18), Fairlawn on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate Michael's Mass of Christian Burial. Memorial contributions are suggested in his name to St. Hilary Catholic Church at the above address or Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 9080 Shepard Road, Macedonia, OH 44056.

St. Hilary Catholic Church
2750 W. Market St., Fairlawn OH 44333
Web: https://membership.faithdirect.net/FD247

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
9080 Shepard Road, Macedonia OH 44056