04/17/2026
Born July 23, 1957 in Dayton, Ohio
Died April 6, 2026 in Hazard, Kentucky
Michael Anthony Gagaris, 68, passed away after a brief hospital stay in Hazard, KY.
Mike was born on July 23, 1957 in Dayton, Ohio to Peter G. Gagaris and Lemie Jewell
(Townsend) Gagaris. He graduated from Northmont High School, Clayton, Ohio in 1975.
In his younger years, Mike liked to play Little League Baseball and P*e Wee Football
that resulted his nickname “Chunk” for his play as strong defensive noseguard. Later
Mike also used this trait in a few rodeos as a bull rider and although he rarely made it to
the time limit, he always seemed to have fun. He said that he met a lot of good people
in the little rodeos he would attend.
Mike really liked to be outside in nature and always thought of himself as a “mountain
man” from his many visits to family throughout Central Kentucky and eventual relocation
to the “old home place” in Estill County, KY. He enjoyed working with animals, farming,
fishing, hunting, trapping, and camping with a robust fire.
Mike is survived by his brother, Dan Gagaris with his wife, Terrie, and their children
Drew and Sarah, and his sister, Anna Gagaris, with her children Matthew, Walter, and
Rebekah, and his other nephew, Delmar.
Besides his beloved Grandparents, Parents, and Stepfather John Fish, Mike was
predeceased by his sister, Elisabeth Rose (Gagaris) Hiles and her husband, Albert
Hiles.
A graveside service will be held at the Cobhill Cemetery, Cobhill, KY on April 20, 2026
at 2 PM.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to a local 4H Chapter or the Kentucky Dept. of
Fish & Wildlife.
