Chester Michael "Mike" Polcyn

Chester Michael (Mike) Polcyn, age 76 - known to so many in Gallia County and surrounding areas as Santa - took his final flight north, Wednesday January 24, 2018, as gentle snowflakes swirled and surrounded by the love and admiration of his family. He was born December 2, 1941, in Dunbar, WV, son of the late Martin and Elsie Walker Polcyn. Additionally, he is preceded in death by two brothers - Jimmy and Don - and two sisters - Sally and Phyllis. Mike is a 1959 graduate of Kyger Creek High School, and attended Ohio University briefly before serving his country in the US Air Force for four years. His brilliant mind was essential as our nation's telephone technology rapidly expanded, seeing many changes in electronics. His career with AT&T lasted 30 years including Ohio Bell and Ameritech. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 53 years Karen Curnutte Polcyn, and their three children: Michael Shannon (Leah) Polcyn, Kari Lynn LaBello, and John Mark (Jennifer) Polcyn who all reside at the place that he loved on Johnson Ridge. He leaves behind three beautiful grandchildren: Travis Allen Polcyn, Kanoa Frei Facemire (Billy), and Mesa Blue Polcyn, and one adorable great grand-daughter Lorelei Rae James. Additionally, he is survived by four brothers and sisters: Ed (Washington), John (California), Bob, and Danny (both local), Rosie Campa (Georgia), Margie Johnson (Arizona), Carol Zelechowski (Arizona), and Ginny Donnet (local). Mike leaves a legacy true to the spirit of St. Nicholas, gentle and kind, generous and gracious. His boots will be a challenge to fill. His community awareness and generosity propelled him into civic duty, volunteering to coach OOMPD soccer as well as for the HOST reading program. He served the Gallia County School Board for 11 years, and received numerous awards and recognition from the Ohio School Boards Association, the Gallia-Jackson-Vinton joint vocational school board of education, Gallia County board of MRDD and of course Gallia County local. He also worked passionately in 2005 for the Quality Schools for Quality Kids campaign. He was best known as our Santa for over 40 years. He received the WSAZ Hometown Hero award twice, and in 2017 was awarded an official commendation from the Gallia County Board of Commissioners. They recognized his services to the county, and proclaimed December 14, 2017 to be "Mike Polcyn Day." He will receive further recognition from the Gallipolis Chamber of Commerce posthumously. He was a former member of the local VFW, a 4-H advisor for 15 years, and a faithful member of Calvary Christian Center. Services, provided by Willis Funeral Home, will begin as the family receives visitors on Sunday from 2-5, and one hour prior to the 1PM Monday service. His final resting place will be at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens, Gallipolis. There will be full military services at the graveside by the Gallia County Veterans Funeral Detail.