Michael "Big Mike" Allan Kalin

Michael “Big Mike” Allan Kalin, 80, of Lewistown, passed away at 3:09 p.m., Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley, Pleasant Gap.

Born Feb. 26, 1943, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late Samuel and Helen (Rotkin) Kalin.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his nephew, Ryan Bohn.

He is survived by: wife, Jean (Gilliland) Kalin, whom he married June 11, 1972; son, Nathan Kalin, of Arlington, Va.; daughter, Jen Tate and husband, Eric, of Lewistown; grandchildren, Rochelle and Kayla Sunderland, and Kevin Sunderland, Jr.; and a sister, Rona Kalin-Moss and husband, Larry, of East Quogue, N.Y.

He was a graduate of Lewistown High School and attended Wilkes College in Scranton.

Mike’s family moved to Lewistown around 1950 and his father opened K’s Sales Company.  After the flood, they moved the business to its former, and final location on Market Street, where he owned and operated the store until its closing in 1997.  Along with longtime friend Jim Tunall, “Big Mike” helped establish and organize the original Lewistown Chamber of Commerce and together, they came up with the idea to light up Market Street and the Square with the holiday lights and later, the Festival of Lights.

In addition to his chamber of commerce activities, Mike was a member of the Ohev Shalom Synagogue, The Lewistown Elks, The Lewistown Moose, Brooklyn Fire Company, and Coffee Run Sporting Club.

Mike loved to travel, especially on his annual trip to Thailand.  He enjoyed scuba diving, collecting firearms, and was an avid outdoorsman.  Mike was incredibly fond of the many dogs he had throughout his life.

Most of all, he loved supporting his kids and grandchildren in all they did.  Mike was extremely charitable and gave to many organizations, friends, and anyone in need.

The family will receive friends from Noon to 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, 200 North Main Street, Lewistown, followed by the memorial service at 1:30 p.m., with Rabbi David Ostrich officiating.

Interment will take place at Ohev Shalom Cemetery, Lewistown.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who desire, to make a contribution in Mike’s name to Fame EMS, 701 Valley St., Lewistown, PA 17044.

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