Michael J. "Mike" Mahaffey

Michael James Mahaffey, 55, of New Philadelphia, went to be with Jesus Christ, his Creator and Lord and Savior, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, following a period of declining health.

Known by many as “Mike the Warrior”, he was the son of Terry E. (Mary) Mahaffey, Sr. of New Philadelphia and Joyce E. (Schrock) Mahaffey of New Philadelphia. Mike was a 1987 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and had been employed by Progressive Foam at Beach City where he worked in the shipping department.

Mike was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church at New Philadelphia and loved to go fishing, work on cars and be at the ocean. In his spare time, he could often be found attending various estate sales and yard sales where he would purchase items for resale. He also enjoyed gardening and possessed a “green thumb”. Often, he would share in the overabundance of his flourishing garden with his friends and family.

In addition to his parents, Mike is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Claudia and Bruce Smythe of Crestview, Florida; his three nieces, Jordan (Michael) McGinnis, Jessica Pehowic and Tiffany (Scott) George; his grandmother, Martha Schrock of Walnut Creek and three step-sisters, Crystal Stroup, Shannon McCoy and Holly Cugini.

Mike was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Walter and Virginia Mahaffey and his maternal grandfather, Dale Schrock.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation care is to be provided by the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home at New Philadelphia. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 beginning at 12 PM in the First Baptist Church at New Philadelphia. The family will receive friends from 11 AM until the time of the service.

To honor Michael’s memory, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Youth Camp at First Baptist Church, 878 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7