Steven Robert Mihalic

Mihalic, Steven Robert
88, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on January 13, 2014. Steve was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 10 1925, son of the late Steven and Julia Mihalic. After training to be a machinist in high school, he joined the Marine Corps. In 1942 the Marines sent him to Yale University where he received a bachelor's degree in engineering and the rank of Second Lieutenant. Steve served his country proudly in combat during the Korean War where he achieved the rank of Captain with the 1st 4.5-inch rocket battery - 11th Marine Regiment. He began a 20-year career with General Electric in 1946 that would take Steve, his wife Lucy and their growing family to live in many cities across the country, finally settling in Paradise Valley, AZ in 1967. After General Electric, he worked in different endeavors involving sales and eventually bought a small vending business that he co-owned with his son. Steve was involved in many community-oriented activities, including serving on the board of Phoenix South Community Mental Health center. Steve was passionate about golf and was a gifted player. When he was younger, he also enjoyed flying small aircraft for both business and pleasure. At very young age he noted, "I never tire of solitude; it stimulates thought and I love to think." After a long full life Steve was content to spend his days sitting on the couch with a good book. He will be missed. Steve was a member of Phi Gamma Delta, Nu deuteron, Engineering Honorary Society, Yale Alumni Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is survived by his former wife Lucy Mihalic; daughters Stephanie and Wendy Mihalic; son Michael Mihalic; and grandchildren Bree and Marchelo. A brief military service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, January 23 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix AZ 85024. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.