Michael was born in 1943 in New Salem, Pa., son of the late John Psenicska and Elizabeth Hardy Psenicska.
Michael, one of 6 children, lost his father at age 11. He grew up in extreme poverty, but that did not impede his life accomplishments. Michael played in the 1954 Little League World Series, which garnered him the nickname “Mighty Mike”. This team was recently honored into the Fayette County HOF this year.
Michael graduated from Albert Gallatin High School and played middle linebacker on the football team. He earned an academic scholarship to California Teachers College of Pa., where he focused on his lifetime love of Mathematics. He would eventually earn his MS (Rutgers) and ended up 4 credits shy of a PhD in Mathematics. Michael became a high school math teacher at Overlea and Loch Raven High Schools and taught for 30 years where he was known as Mr. “P” while also coaching football. His grandchildren can quote “if you can do math, you can do anything” due to this passion. Michael continued to tutor mathematics at CCBC until 2020. During this period, Michael and his wife opened the Perry Hall Driving School, which they operated for 35 years. They taught thousands of students to drive successfully.
Michael became a “Movie Star” in 2006 when he was filmed teaching “Borat” to drive. He was even able to teach this character a few life lessons. Michael remained remembered for this role through his grandchildren’s friends, who often requested autographs. Michael loved sports, the Ravens/Orioles and golf. He was a member of the Perry Hall Golf Group for many years. He enjoyed coaching and watching his children play sports and continued watching his grandchildren’s sports careers. He was affectionately called “Daloo” by his grandchildren.
Michael is survived by his wife, Barbara, who were married for 60 years, 4 children Michael Jr. (Lisa), David (Gina), Steven (Angela), and Janeen Koller (George), and 14 grandchildren, Mandy, Megan, Alyxa, Tyler, Todd, Brooke, Hannah, Michael, Grace, Jack, Jenna, JJ, Hunter, and Emma plus 1 great-grandchild, Noah. Michael is also survived by his brother John.
Funeral Mass will be held on December 2, 2023 at 10:00 am at St, Joseph’s Church, 8420 Belair Road Nottingham, MD. (No viewing). Burial will follow the mass at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life luncheon immediately following at the St. Joseph’s Parish Hall.
Flowers can be sent the day prior to the mass to Schimunek Funeral Home, 9705 Belair Road Nottingham, MD 21236.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Michael’s memory to the National Scleroderma Foundation, national.scleroderma.org.
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