Michael E. Harrold

Salem-Michael E. Harrold, 86, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025.

Michael was born on August 27, 1939, in Melksham, England to Ivan and Phyllis (Carter) Harrold. His father Ivan died while serving in the British military during World War II when Michael was just two years old. His mother married, George Grega, and at six years of age, Michael, along with his mother, stepfather, and new baby sister, Wendy, traveled to start a new life in the United States. His baby brother, Barry, was born a few years later.

In 1957, Michael graduated from Salem High School and then embarked on a career as route manager with The Weirton Daily Times and The Salem News. He moved on from the newspapers into management with Mullins Manufacturing and Paxon Machine/Lehman Mills.

His hobbies were gardening, photography, dogs, and listening to music, especially the bagpipes and jazz. Michael loved being creative on his computer and surfing the internet. A dedicated sports fan, he loyally cheered on the Indians, Cavs, and the Browns. He found joy spending time with any and all children and had been much involved in his son’s youth soccer and baseball teams. Michael was known for his wry sense of humor and hilarious interactions with babies and toddlers.

In addition to his parents and stepfather, Michael was preceded in death by his sister, Wendy Grega-Critser, infant son, Michael Jr, as well as his beloved dog, Cooper.

Michael is survived by his wife, the former Maria Nyktas, whom he married on July 26, 1969, his children, Jacki Hruby, Michele Chafins (Albert) and Stephen Harrold (fiancée Annie), and his brother, Barry Grega. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Joseph (Brittany) Briceland, Erin Briceland (fiancé Cole), Amanda (Kevin) Springer, and soon to be granddaughter, Olivia, as well as great-grandchildren Kiley, Josie, Jade, Hudson and Elias. He had many much-loved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received from 3:00-4:50 p.m., on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home, 1014 E. State St., Salem, where an Elks service will be conducted at 4:50 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, or Shriners Children’s, www.shrinerschildrens.org, in memory of Michael’s love for children.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home. To view Michael’s obituary and send condolences, please visit www.starkmemorial.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael E. Harrold, please visit our floral store.