Frank J. Michalek

Frank J. (Francis) Michalek
Frank J. (Francis) Michalek, 71, of Butler passed away Sunday morning at the Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople, where he lived for 5 months. He was surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Tarentum, Oct. 3, 1939, he was the son of the late Michael and Stella (Anika) Michalek.
Mr. Michalek attended the St. Clement Elementary School and Tarentum High School. He continued with his education and became a chemical engineer with degrees from Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh and held numerous associate degrees in post graduate studies.
He had been employed by Mine Safety Appliances in Evans City as quality control manager and as supervisor of special filtering. Throughout all his life, Mr. Michalek had a strong work ethic.
In March 1985, his career ended abruptly when he was struck by a car while jogging. As a result, he lost his right arm and was burdened with intractable pain for the remainder of his life. He suffered greatly for 26 years.
Before the accident, Mr. Michalek enjoyed gardening, woodworking and playing cards. He later learned to do leaded glass projects and made several lamps and other objects.
He was very proud of his family and found great joy in his nine grandchildren.
As a member of the St. Fidelis Roman Catholic Church, he was a member of the Men's Club and had, at one time, been a Eucharistic minister.
He is survived by his wife, Rosita, who he married in 1963; a son, Daniel and his wife, Kelly, of Butler; a daughter, Maria Stetzer and her husband, David, of Las Vegas, Nev.; a daughter, Julie Codispot and her husband, James, of Butler; a brother, John Michalek and his wife, Carol, of Stevensville, Md.; and a sister, Theresa Ross and her husband, Andrew, of Melbourne Beach, Fla. His beloved grandchildren include David, John, Luke and Anna Michalek of Butler, Emily, Jeremy and Melanie Stetzer of Las Vegas, Nev., and Taylor and Jack Codispot of Butler.
A son, David, preceded him in death along with four sisters and a brother.
The family wishes to recognize the wonderful nurses and aides at the Passavant Retirement Community, who cared for Frank with such warmth and compassion. Words cannot describe our love and gratitude. You will be in our hearts forever.
MICHALEK - Friends of Frank J. (Francis) Michalek, who died Sunday, June 26, 2011, will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at the St. Fidelis Church, 125 Buttercup Road, Meridian. Everyone please meet at the church. The Rev. James Murphy, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in Butler County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Fidelis Church Building Fund, 125 Buttercup Road, Butler, PA 16001.
The Bereavement Committee of the St. Fidelis Parish will meet at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home for a vigil service.
Information also is available at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.