Michael Pugh

Courageous in the face of adversity, Michael “Mike” William Pugh passed away after a brave journey with lymphoma and leukemia on Friday, April 19, 2019, at the age of 42.

Michael was born to parents Craig and Sharon Pugh on July 4, 1976. He graduated from Centerville High School in 1994 and in 1998 graduated from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After graduating, Mike moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and began his career at Procter and Gamble where he recently celebrated his 20-year work anniversary. In 2000, Mike and a couple of friends co-founded Give Back Cincinnati. Today the organization has grown to over 5500 members and continues to serve the people and communities of Cincinnati. In 2002, Mike married his best friend and soulmate, Cory and they lived life to the fullest.  Whether on an action-packed vacation or dancing quietly in their kitchen, they made thousands of memories in their time together, and these precious memories will sustain Cory for the rest of her life. Forever a kid at heart, Mike was a phenomenal uncle to Braiden Lies and Evelyn Drake, always making time for fun and adventure. A lifelong animal lover, Mike’s passion for animals started as a young child and continued through his life. He was a committed “fur Dad,” together he and Cory were dedicated to rescuing and loving the abandoned, abused and neglected. His absence is felt by Bella, Cooper, Hudson, Zeke and Bella 2. He is reunited with and delighting in the love of Kaiser, Brynn, Megan, Annie, Chance, Rocco, Jazz and his childhood dog, Kit.

Mike remained a loyal and passionate fan of Ohio State Buckeye Football, and he was always ready for game day with one of his favorite t-shirts on. Although nothing compared to the game days in college, he found great joy in returning to “the Shoe” with friends to soak up all the energy and watch his team win! OH-IO!  In addition to his love of animals and college football, Mike loved traveling, technology, real estate, running, Crossroads Church, convertible rides, clay target shooting, music, good food, a new recipe and time with his wife, friends and family. Mike was an adventurous, outgoing, happy person who never met a stranger, and he will be remembered for his willingness to lend a helping hand, his engaging personality, quick wit, thirst for knowledge, incredible laugh, and love of a good conversation and a friendly debate.

Mike is preceded in death by his beloved maternal grandmother, Lorraine “Peggy” (Jacobson) Wagoner, and his paternal grandparents, William and Jean (Rieck) Pugh. He will be forever missed by his wife, Cory; parents, Craig and Sharon (Wagoner) Pugh; sister, Cindy (Russell) Drake; maternal grandfather, Roy Wagoner; nephew, Braiden Lies; niece, Evelyn Drake; parents in law, Roy and Debra (Miller) Lies; brother in law, Michael (Dezra) Lies; and so many exceptional friends.

A special thank you to the many close friends for the support, comfort and love offered to Mike and his family during this difficult time. Mike and Cory are forever grateful to their parents for putting everything on hold to ensure that Mike could focus on his health, Cory could focus on his care and their beloved dogs could stay together in their home.

A celebration of Mike’s life is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mike’s memory to one of the following nonprofit organizations: Save the Animals Foundation Cincinnati, Still Kickin, Give Back Cincinnati or City Gospel Mission of Cincinnati. Beyond financial donations, to honor Mike start a conversation with a stranger, make someone laugh, give a hug, help a friend, or better yet open your heart and adopt a homeless animal.

Please leave a memory and raise a toast to Mike—always loved, forever missed, never forgotten.

http://staf.org/index.php/idonate/

https://www.givemn.org/organization/Stillkickin

https://givebackcincinnati.org/supportus/

https://www.citygospelmission.org/donations/give-donation/