Mikhail Ostrovsky

Mikhail Ostrovsky, 88, of Montoursville, passed on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at UPMC Williamsport, following a brief illness. Mikhail was born on Feb. 12, 1935 in Kiev, Ukraine, to the late Bension and Fania Ostrovsky. Mikhail was 6 years old when Germany invaded the USSR. His mother, along with Mikhail, and his two other siblings barely escaped the Nazis when they fled Kiev on one of the last trains to safety in Uzbekistan.

After the war, Mikhail began working at the age of 13 to support his family. He soon became a talented shoe designer, and later worked as an artistic director for the largest shoe company in Kiev.

In 1974, at the age of 39, Mikhail and his family immigrated to the U.S. Here, Mikhail continued his career in the footwear industry, working as a pattern maker at Milton Shoe Company, White Mountain Shoes, and Sperry.

The biggest accomplishment and pride of Mikhail’s life was his family. Mikhail was married to the love of his life, Luba, for 62 years. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Anatole and Elena, in Williamsport. Upon his retirement, Mikhail and Luba travelled the world together, visiting over a dozen countries.

Mikhail had an impeccable sense of humor, was exceptionally kindhearted, and generously shared his unique perspective on life with those around him.

He is survived by his wife, Luba Ostrovsky; son, Anatole Ostrovsky; daughter, Elena West (husband, Jeff West); four grandchildren, Samantha Rebandt, Nicole Ostrovsky, Zachary West, and Larissa West; and two great-grandchildren, Madison and Amelia Rebandt.

The funeral service will be held graveside at Ohev Sholom Cemetery on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 2 p.m.

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