Michael "Mike" Hugh Dufalla, 76, of Washington, passed away Monday, October 22, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
Mike was born June 4, 1942, in Clarksville, a son of the late Michael and Helen Sabo Dufalla.
He was a graduate of Bethlehem-Center High School and continued his education at both Pennsylvania State University and University of Pittsburgh, after which he began his long and prolific career as a civil engineer.
Throughout his career, he owned Engelhardt-Power and Associates in Washington, served as PennDOT district engineer for Washington, Greene, Westmoreland and Fayette counties and continuously served as a consulting engineer for many local governments within Washington and Greene counties.
He received many career accolades, including American Society of Highway Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award. Mike was most proud of his work in public projects to improve the quality of life of residents in the area he found so beautiful, including constructing waterways and bicycle trails.
He was a lifelong hunter and outdoor enthusiast, enjoying biking the Great Allegheny Passage or canoeing in Ten Mile Creek with his family. Never content to remain passive, he actively engaged in conservation initiatives to improve local waterways and was an active member of Greene County Izaak Walton League Chapter.
Mike was a devoted member of St. Michaels Byzantine Catholic Church in Canonsburg.
He will be remembered for always wanting to learn more, achieve more and for never ever giving up.
Surviving are his wife, Penny Suwak; four daughters, Tamara Brogan and husband Jim of Sanford, N.C., Michele Dufalla and husband Mahdi Cheraghchi of Cleveland, Ohio, Nicole Dufalla of Washington and Jacqueline Dufalla of Budapest, Hungary; five grandchildren, Jesse, Anastasia, Connor, Derek and Emily Brogan; brother Kenneth Dufalla of Clarksville; and two nephews, David and Ken Dufalla.
At the request of the deceased, all services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston.
Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sharon Busti Willison
October 19, 2023
I think of him often, will remember him always as a special man and good friend and miss his warm smile and wisdom.
November 8, 2018
Penny, I remember your young romance with Mike. He was one of a kind, so intelligent in his profession. Thought about you two over the years. So sad for his early passing but he is now at peaceful rest.
October 30, 2018
Dear Penny, I am so sorry to hear about Mike. God Bless you and your family through this difficult time. Prayers and love being sent your way. Love Jenny Gifford
nancy Posten Close
October 30, 2018
Dearest Penny, over the week end I read of Mike's passing and have been thinking of you and your beautiful girls. May God be with you all and give you peace and comfort. Thoughts, prayers and hugs coming your way.
Allen Hager
October 28, 2018
Sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. I offer my condolences to you and family
Sharon Willison
October 26, 2018
Penny and the Dufalla Family,
Words are inadequate to convey how sad I am to hear of Mike's passing. It was an honor and a pleasure to work with him on many projects during my thirty years of service with both Senator Stout and Senator Solobay. Mike was a true visionary who had the ability and willingness to think way outside of the proverbial box. I had the good fortune to have had a conversation with him in recent months - one that I will always remember. Count me among the countless number who greatly admire him, will sincerely miss him, and will never forget him.
October 26, 2018
KEN,
I READ WITH GRIEF NOTICE OF MIKE'S DEATH. PLEASE ACCEPT MY OFFER OF CONDOLENCE.
JOHN
BCHS 1965
Sheldon Epstein
October 25, 2018
Dufalla Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss of Mike. Nancy and I greatly admired and respected him, You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Sheldon and Nancy Epstein
Tom Riester
October 25, 2018
We are very sorry to learn of Mike's passing-he made many contributions to Mackin Engineering Company, his great enthusiasm was infectious, and he was great to work with. We will miss Mike
Chuck Thompson
October 25, 2018
Mike was a beacon, a friend, a leader, a confidant and a giant in so many ways to so many of us. He was genuinely concerned about family, friends and his environment. There are not enough accolades to describe all of his personal and professional contributions.
It was an honor to work with this man among men. It was a privilege to be included in his circle of friends. He made the orbit in which he traveled a better place. Mike fought a good fight the the past year and is finally resting peacefully.
My deepest sympathy, regrets and prayers go out to Penny and all of the Dufalla family. This great man will be missed but his legacy will be the wonderful memories he blessed us with.
dave keys
October 25, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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