Michael T. Walendziewicz

Michael T. Walendziewicz, age 74, of Buford, GA passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Karin Walendziewicz of Buford; children, Heidi and Jimmy Hay of Sugar Hill, GA and Michael Paul “Wally” and Kylene Walendziewicz of Kennesaw, GA; two grandchildren, Michael Daniel Diaz and Jacob Hay; sister, Joan Wimbish of Venice, FL; and nieces and nephews.

Michael graduated from Swissvale High School in 1966 and from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1970 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science Education.  Then he went back and got his Master’s from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA in 1972.  Michael continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA graduating in 1975.  Mike pledged Kappa Delta Rho while attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania and was known for his singing voice. 

He began his teaching career in 1976 at St. Thomas High School in Braddock, PA and finished his teaching career in 2011 at Word of God, formerly St. Anselm’s in Swissvale, PA.  He was an active member of the parish.

Mike was an athlete all his life, playing basketball, football, and baseball.  He received the nickname “Champ” from his friends and community, and that name stayed with him for all his life.  He lettered in all three sports in high school and continued playing these sports throughout college. 

Mike went on to coach basketball starting at a grade school level and worked his way up to the collegiate ranks.  He finished his coaching career in the early 1990’s.  He received many awards throughout his career.  He was the Regional All-Star Coach from 1987 – 1989.  Even when his official coaching career ended, he never stopped coaching.  Mike would always be willing to help or offer advice to any athlete he saw.  To this day, many of his former players and students kept in touch with him.  Humble enough to never talk about all his recognition and awards, if you did not know firsthand, you would not hear it from him.

Mike’s hobbies included his love for sports, community work, helping others in any way possible, and most of all spending time with his Grandsons, family, and friends.  He loved to listen to Motown music and loved to play trivia. 

Mike, or better known as Champ, will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home with Dr. Bill Coates officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 noon until time for the service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.