Michael G. Papich's Obituary
Michael. G. Papich Engineer –
Entrepreneur Michael (Mike) G. Papich peacefully passed on December 12, 2025. He was born in Windsor, Ontario Canada on November 20, 1932.
Mike is survived by his wife Linda (65 years married) and four children Michael R, Kenneth V, Elizabeth Fronte, and Christine Jensen as well as son-in laws Pete Fronte and Matthew Jensen. Eleven (11) grandchildren will miss their “Papa”, as he was affectionately known. Nephew Robert Papich, niece Carol Stearns, and cousins Bogden, Mirko and Smilja Papic also survive Mike. Mike has been reunited in heaven with his brother Kenneth C. Papich, his sister-in-law Lillian Papich, his parents Robert and Mary Papich, and cousin Bronco Papic.
Mike's work ethic and brilliant mind were evident from his early days. He graduated from the University of Detroit in 1956, majoring in electrical engineering. This was after his preengineering at Assumption College (now University of Windsor).
Mike's accomplishments and contributions to society were significant. He worked on one of the first heart stimulator-defibrillators, the first Boeing 707 & 727 jet airliners, the Atlas and Centaur missiles, the world's largest acoustic test facilities in various capacities from design, instrumentation, and research engineering.
Mike was the lead electrical design engineer for the BART, WMATA transportation vehicles and dual-motive Amtrak train. He was lead electrical engineer developing plans and designs for parcel sorting machines at 19 bulk mail centers for the U.S. postal service.
Other accomplishments included working on the electronic design of the early tomahawk cruise missiles and ultimately as the lead engineer for their production. As lead electronic design and system engineer, Mike developed electric electrical/avionics for the AGM-109 cruise missiles from prototype to production.
Mike always said he enjoyed his engineering pursuits and felt guilty collecting a paycheck for loving his work. Mike retired from engineering in December 1989. The commute and congestion from his home in Escondido to Lindbergh Field was the deciding factor. In his words, “I am not going to breath someone else's exhaust fumes all day.”
Along with his engineering endeavors, Mike pursued various entrepreneurial ventures. While he had a structured and amazing brain as an engineer, building and operating businesses allowed him to be creative. Mike’s businesses included owning and operating the A-1 motel in La Mesa, the Skyline Lodge on Palomar Mountain and the 2 Pap’s Auto Paint stores in North County San Diego. He retired completely in 1995.
Upon retirement Mike enjoyed many years of cruises with his wife Linda. Spending time with family and playing cards (Hearts and 3-13) were pastimes and you could always find Mike reading a newspaper or book. He never stopped thinking and had so much information to share about history. Papa, you will be missed and see you again one day!
Church services will be on Monday December 22, 2025 at 11:30am
St. Petka’s Serbian Orthodox Church, 1854 Knob Hill Rd., San Marcos CA.
The burial service will follow at 1:00pm
Oak Hill Cemetery, 2640 Glenridge Rd., Escondido CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends a donation be sent to:
The Mary Papich Memorial Fund (ck payable to University of Windsor)
Alumni Relations & Advancement
University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave.
Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4
Or online donation
https://www.uwindsor.ca/donate
select “give to academics” and for “designation” select OTHER
and type “Mary Papich Memorial Fund”
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