Lt. Michael D. Bastian, 39, of Montoursville, passed away unexpectedly Monday, December 2, 2024 at UPMC, Williamsport.
Born August 7, 1985, he was a son of Marlin E., Jr. and Shirley A. (Starr) Bastian. On September 14, 2023 he married the former Mariah L. Brouse.
Michael was a 2003 graduate of Warrior Run High School and earned his Associate Degree in Fire Science. Following in his father’s footsteps, Michael became a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Watsontown.
Shortly after high school, he worked as an EMT for the William Cameron Engine Company in Lewisburg. Known for his professionalism and dedication to a life of service, Michael became one of William Cameron’s first firefighter/EMT’s. He continued this role, even after being hired at the Harrisburg International Airport as a Firefighter, working both jobs on alternating schedules. During this time, Michael would also serve the community as an EMT with Evangelical Community Hospital. As his career progressed, this position was one he was proud of, as it kept him directly involved in providing emergency medical care at a local level.
In 2015, Michael was hired by the Williamsport Bureau of Fire, which was his dream job. His extensive experience and knowledge made an immediate impact in Williamsport. He was instrumental in advancing many areas of the department. Michael was promoted to Lieutenant in 2019.
Michael was an accomplished instructor, teaching for the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy, Bucks County Community College, and Harrisburg Area Community College. It was here, in the classroom, and on the drill grounds, imparting knowledge and molding firefighters into their best self, that he was most at home. Michael’s unwavering passion, dedication, and competence were readily apparent to all those that he taught and taught with him.
A beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to many, Michael’s love for serving his community was only eclipsed by the love he had for his family. His wife, daughter, and unborn daughter were everything to him. He expertly balanced work and home life, but always put his family first. To know Mike was to know the strength of his convictions. He was an unabashed champion to causes he believed in, and those beliefs guided him in all aspects of his life. The loss of Michael leaves a void that will never be filled.
In addition to his parents, Marlin and Shirley, of Watsontown, Michael is survived by his wife, Mariah L. Bastian; a daughter, Alaina Elise Bastian; a daughter on the way; brothers, Colton J. and Mel Brouse, Orangeville; and Logan T. and Ashley Brouse, Shamokin Dam; a sister, Amanda J. and Brandyn Irvin, Watsontown; nephews, Ryan Irvin and Owen Brouse; father and mother in-law, Gary and Lisa Brouse, Selinsgrove; as well as many other extended family members.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents.
Friends and family are invited for a visitation from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Revival Tabernacle, 960 Susquehanna Trail, Watsontown, where a memorial service will begin at 1:00PM with Rev. David Bechtel, chaplain of the Williamsport Bureau of Fire, officiating. Burial with full firefighter honors will follow in Watsontown Cemetery.
Contributions in Michael’s memory to help benefit his children, can be sent to Susquehanna Community Bank, 1025 Main Street, Watsontown, PA 17777 and should be made payable to Mariah Bastian and noted “In memory of Michael Bastian”.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brooks Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PC, 124 Main Street, Watsontown. To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit http://www.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com
