In Memoriam: Milan Puskar
Milan "Mike" Puskar, co-founder, former chairman and CEO of Mylan, and noted Morgantown, W.Va., philanthropist, died Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, at his home in Morgantown, surrounded by loving family and friends. Mr. Puskar fought a courageous battle against cancer. He was 77 years old. Born Sept. 8, 1934, in Vintondale, Mr. Puskar was the son of the late Dusan and Dorothy Puskar. He attended Youngstown State University and served in the Army. He married the former Betty J. Howard and had one daughter, Johanna Puskar. In 1961, he co-founded Mylan Pharmaceuticals and shepherded this enterprise to become a premier manufacturer of high-quality, affordable medicine based on his philosophy of "Do it right ... or don't do it at all." Recognized both locally and internationally for his success story, Mike Puskar never failed to credit this success to the "men and women of Mylan" and upon receiving awards, accepted them only on their behalf. He took extraordinary interest in the work, lives and families of his employees and endeavored to build his company as the best place for people to work.
Mr. Puskar was a strong supporter of local businesses and had a genuine commitment for the betterment of the people of Morgantown and the state of West Virginia. Mike Puskar believed in giving back. He used his success for the spread of philanthropic deeds. West Virginia University's Football Stadium, Mylan Park, and Health Right Clinic all publicly bear his name along with many public and private causes, both large and small, that he has championed over the last 50 years. He pursued his varied interests and activities with the same intensity that he did his work. He especially enjoyed hosting trips to Las Vegas with his many friends. He loved sports, especially WVU Sports, along with pro-football, basketball and boxing. Traveling to away games and tournaments with his friends was among his favorite activities.
He was the recipient of many prestigious awards and honorary degrees. He also served in leadership capacities with industry trade groups, various charities, college and university leadership committees and Corporate Boards of Directors.
Mr. Puskar is survived by his loving daughter, Johanna Puskar and her partner, Mark Crouse, of Morgantown, W.Va.; his devoted grandson, Kyle Pratt, of Morgantown, W.Va.; three sisters, Mrs. Ruby Carroll, of Boardman, Ohio, Mrs. Betty (Robert) Kosanovich, of Greenville, and Mrs. Rosella "Honey" (Bran) Vuich, of Hermitage; as well as many nieces, nephews and godchildren. He is also survived by his former wife, Mrs. Betty J. Puskar, of Morgantown, W.Va. Mr. Puskar was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dusan and Dorothy Puskar; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and James Morrison; brother-in-law, John Carroll; and an infant brother, Steven Puskar.
Following private family ceremonies, public visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday the at Waterfront Place Hotel, Platinum Ballroom. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Morgantown Event Center, Waterfront Place, with the very Rev. Dr. Rodney Torbic, of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, officiating. A celebration of life reception will immediately follow funeral services at the Morgantown Event Center, Waterfront Place.