originally posted on 3/16/2020
We've lost one of our interesting enthusiast friends. Anybody who spoke to Mike Homza for more than a few moments knew that he was not going to talk about coasters. There was so much more than that.
Mike was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and attended the University of Pittsburgh (elementary education). He had varied interests such as motorcycles (raced them as a young man, worked on them in the movie “Dawn of the Dead”); reenactor of the French and Indian War; and French Marine of the 1750s for local volunteer groups, local television shows and movies, including “My Tale of Two Cities.” Also involved with hunting and fishing, Mike was a volunteer instructor for the Pennsylvania Game Commission in “hunter trapper education” for more than 35 years. A true park enthusiast and huge fan of bumper cars, dark rides, trains and carousels, Mike and his wife of 21 years, Mary, could often be found at traditional parks like Knoebels, Waldameer and Kennywood but would visit any park that was “on the way to somewhere,” as Mary said.
Mike passed away after a sudden illness, which was quite a shock to friends.
Erik Frankenstein joked, “I'll miss my bench riding buddy,” since he and Mike were often left “on the bench” while the women went to ride. Following his passing, there were a number of kind messages left on ACE Western Pennsylvania’s Facebook page, such as from John Haag who said “[Mike] and Mary were two of the first coaster club members we got to know and always were among the nicest. We will miss him.” Several others commented that Mike was “a pleasure to talk to.”
Mike was the kind of guy with whom you talked once, and he became a friend forever, given his wit and humor and intelligence. I can't recall any subject that we could not discuss with great knowledge, or at least laugh about. Mike never took anything, other than safety regarding his other hobbies, too seriously and had a wicked sense of humor that made people laugh. His memory about things like West View Park was amazing, and his interests were so diverse, it was just mind-boggling. The world is a little less colorful without Mike in it; those who knew him well understand. For those who knew him a little — the guy with the Amish-style hat — it is unfortunate you didn't get to know him better. The next ride on the Knoebels bumper cars is for Mike.
— Sarah Windisch
Photo: Joel Brewton. View full-sized image.
@#$%&!
#ACENews