Michael J. Belaj, age 69 of Cambridge passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023 at his home with his wife by his side. He was born on June 23, 1953 in Cleveland. He moved to Seneca Lake at as a young man and graduated from Guernsey Catholic HS in 1972.
Michael had several experiences in his job career from growing up mowing yards and camp sites at Seneca Lake to selling firewood. Then he went to work at Gray Drug moving into management for them and Rinks Department Stores. Running seismic lines in the swamps of Mississippi and a short time at Engles Ship Yard.
Then being Herb Ferrell's right hand man at Derby Oil & Gas heading the drilling of several wells throught Ohio and also Pioneer Western & Greg L. Brown Co out of Texas. To starting his own business in 1990, Eastland Energy Group Inc. He is described as a hard business man but a honest man. He also got involved with his wife in creating Courtside Deli and selling it in 2004. They had Bee Property Services doing bank repo cleanouts for a while. Then refurbing furniture with her as Red Cat Vintage.
In 2010 he was approached with running for Guernsey County Commissioner, and after consideration, he took on the challenge.
He was very passionate about freedom and fairness to his fellowman. When the oil and gas boom came and being asked alot about information on lease he started a group to inform land owners of the rights and there options. He freely gave advice to anyone that called up until to his final days.
Michael had a strong love for his family. He loved his children unconditionally through all their experiences in life even when he didn't agree to their choices. He ended every conversation with an I love you! His first grandson Donavan probably knew him best by spending summers working with him learning his values and life importances.
In 1992 through a good friend he met his wife Jeri Ann Ables and from that meeting till his last breath they shared every moment, adventure and challenge together as one. Marrying in May 2000, they will forever be each others greatest strength and love.
He leaves his wife Jeri Ann (Ables) Belaj; children, Michele Herman of Zanesville, Sarah Belaj of Belpre and Tim (& Tiffany) Belaj of Buffalo; grandchildren, Donavan (& Brittany), Breeanna, Kane (& Abby), Curail, Khloe, Olivia, Lucas, Mica and Mary and steps, Chase and Brantlee; great grandchildren, Bryson, Waylon and Wyatt and step, Brody; his siblings, Joseph L. (& Bonnie) Belaj of N.C. and Veronica (& Steve) Mourer of Cambridge; his mother-in-law Janice Ables; a brother-in-law Russ (& Sheila) Ables; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins.
Mike is preceded in death by: his grandparents Joseph & Catherine "Kattie" Belaj and Velvie Radcliff Williams and James "Pop" Williams; his parents Lawrence and Lorraine (Wine) Belaj; his father-in-law Gerald Ables; a step daughter Faith Ann; a grandson Thomas Laughman and special friend Bearcat "Buddy".
A memorial mass will be held at Bundy-Law Funeral Home on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 2 pm with Father Robert Borer officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maddy's Cat Rescue, 637 Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge, Ohio 43725. Mike's online guest book may be viewed and signed at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com .