George Joseph Michael - "Buddy" - age 79, of Republic, passed away on Tuesday August 19, 2014 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA as a result of heart failure.

Buddy was the eldest son of nine children, born on November 9, 1934 to the late Dewey S. Michael and Mary C. (John) Michael of Uniontown, PA.

He graduated from Uniontown High School in 1952. After high school Buddy served in the military for two years and then worked in Uniontown for Laurel Vending until retirement. He enjoyed sports, especially billiards, for most of his life, and spending time with family and friends. Buddy will surely be remembered by many for his entertaining and spontaneous style as ring announcer for a number of ameteur and professional boxing matches in and around the area. As one reporter wrote in 1985, " if the fights don't grab you, ring announcer Buddy Michael of Uniontown is worth the price of admission alone."

Left to cherish Buddy's memory is his loving companion, Mary Jane Smithburger of Royal, PA; his son, Marc Michael, daughter-in-law, Beth, and grandchild, Emma of Frostburg, MD; sisters, Magdalene Williams of Uniontown, Marion Polito of Uniontown, Helen Czuchan of Uniontown, Ella Polito and husband Frank of Lorrain, OH, Josephine Springer and husband Charles of Baltimore, MD, Frances Michael of Uniontown, Patricia Koester and husband Charles of Baltimore; brother, Robert Michael of Farmington, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Buddy was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Joseph Williams, Michael Polito, Jr., and Joeseph Czuchan, all from Uniontown.

Friends will be received at the Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, Inc., 603 N. Gallatin Ave., Ext., Uniontown, PA, on Sunday August 24, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. and Monday August 25, until 9:30 am the hour of Funeral Service. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. George Maronite Catholic Church, 1 Lebanon Terrace, Uniontown, PA with Rev. Father Sami Chaaya, M.L.M. as celebrant.

Interment will follow at Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, PA.