Michael William Boback

With great sadness, we announce the death of Michael W. Boback of Cincinnati, OH, who passed away on February 6, 2024, at the age of 93. Michael (Mike) was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA. on December 7th, 1930. 

Anyone who met Mike, even briefly, knew him to be one to the gentlest, wisest, most genuinely kind-hearted man there ever was.  Mike never had a bad word to say, except when speaking about lawyers and squirrels, and was always there with a helping hand or a good joke when one was needed.  

Mike worked as a Chemist at Fernald, formerly a uranium enrichment plant, near Cincinnati for much of his life. He was always science-minded and was everyone’s first pick as a partner when playing Trivial Pursuit. He was a devout Catholic as his faith was a very important part of his life.

As a young man, Mike was an outdoor enthusiast, often walking in the woods with his dog, Ben, whom he rescued from Germany, picking berries or canoeing. He proudly served our country during the Korean War in the Army. Mike attended King’s College, using the GI Bill, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where he was born and raised. He made a name for himself writing for, and as the editor of, the college paper, The Crown.

After college, he moved to Cincinnati, met Mary, the woman who would become his lovely wife, and they started their family. Mike still shared his talents and knowledge of the outdoors volunteering for the Boy Scouts and leading his family on many canoeing adventures down the Missouri River during vacation trips to Montana.  

He continued donating his time and energy over the years volunteering for St. Vivian Church and teaching woodcarving to anyone who asked.  Mike picked up wood carving after he retired from Fernald and astounded his family and friends with the intricate carvings he created. He generously gave dozens, maybe hundreds, of Christmas tree ornaments he carved and each year it was something special. He was an active member of the Cincinnati Carving Guild and did a lot of work at the Springfield Township Senior Center. He earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guild in 2012.

Mike was preceded in death by his beloved son David Boback.  He is survived by his loving wife, Mary E. Boback. February 13th would have been their 64th wedding anniversary.  He is also survived by his dear children, Jeanette Oberhaus, William Boback, Joan (Thomas) Eckart, Stephen Boback, and Leah (Raymond) Vaara; his 11 grandchildren, Matthew, Dylan, Eric, Kyla, Michael, Ian, Adam, Ally, Rachel, John and Jolene; and one very special great grandchild, Elliott.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday, February 15, at 10:30 am at St. Vivian Church.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 am. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Cincinnati Carvers Guild. Checks made out to the Cincinnati Carvers Guild can be mailed to the Treasurer at: Sheila Boggs, 30 Frick Ct, Glendale, OH 45246.