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MICHAEL F. BISHOP Jr.
1952 - 2015
MICHAEL F. BISHOP Jr.
1952 - 2015
Obituary
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MICHAEL BISHOP Obituary
MICHAEL F., Jr.
Michael Bishop, 63, of Upper St. Clair, was surrounded by loved ones when he passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Michael was born in Pittsburgh, PA on February 21, 1952, to the late Mary and Michael Bishop. He grew up in Carnegie, PA and graduated from Canevin High School in 1970. After high school Michael attended Duquesne University where he received a bachelors of science in music education in 1974 and a masters of science in education in 1980. He worked his way through school, playing gigs on nights and weekends with his band, Silver Sky. On August 8, 1980, Michael married the love of his life, Bernice Meacci at Duquesne Chapel. Michael and Bernice went on to have three sons: Adam, Nathan and Alex. Michael's sons were his pride and joy. Professionally Michael served as a music educator, band director, and principal for over 30 years, primarily in the North Hills School District. He was awarded the Teacher of Distinction Award by the Teacher Excellence Foundation in 2002 in recognition of his dedication, perseverance, and commitment to providing his students with a quality education. Michael was a charismatic and talented musician who played a wide array of instruments, most notably the clarinet and saxophone. Michael was a proud member of the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra and had the honor of playing with the Pittsburgh Symphony on one occasion. A devout Catholic, Michael was a member of St. Thomas More Parish in Bethel Park. Before then, he served as choir director at St. Ignatius in Carnegie and St. Bonaventure in Glenshaw. An avid runner and health enthusiast, Michael awoke daily at 4:45 a.m. to embark on a five mile run before work. He was also a gifted woodworker and handy man, focusing his talents evenly between utilitarian home improvements and artistic endeavors. The consummate family man, Michael was happiest sitting on the back porch of his beautiful home, spending time with his loving wife and three sons. Michael's life ended on a happy note, as he was able to attend the wedding of his eldest son, Adam to Adam's now wife, Christina at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, May 23, 2015. The wedding was planned in just four days in light of Michael's condition, but the ceremony and reception that followed was one of the last beautiful moments in a life filled with so many. He is survived by his loving wife Bernice (Meacci) Bishop; his three sons, Adam (Christina), Nathan (Jessica Jiang) and Alexander (Kylie Cavanaugh) Bishop; brother of Joan (William) Merz and the late Maureen Bishop; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends received Thursday 6-8 p.m. and Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the SZAFRANSKI-EBERLEIN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 101 Third St., Carnegie. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas More Church on Saturday at 10 a.m. (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH). Burial in St. Ignatius Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Double Hit Lymphoma Foundation.
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June 21, 2015
Bernice, I am so sorry for your loss. Michael sounds like he was such a wonderful man. May God be with you at this time.
Dianne Moore Hackett- Boynton Beach, Fl
Mary Catherine Crofts
June 15, 2015
Such an outstanding man he undoubtedly left endless uplifting gifts of his love. I was not aware of all of his talents and dedication to music and teaching in the school system. Teachers touch generations of lives whether they teach in schools, churches or their children at home or in other settings. And to know that a cousin of mine was so dedicated and giving as Michael makes my heart full and thankful to be related to him and know him. It saddened me greatly to see such a dedicated husband father and relative depart so early in life. I am sure that the saviour is proud of his wonderful service here on the earth. He may lead some of the heavenly choirs now. I am so thankful that we know that we will be with our loved ones again thanks to our Savior. May Heaven's blessings be upon all his family.
Ethel Kalogeras Barker
June 2, 2015
My sympathies to the Bishop family. Areta Kalogeras, my sister, enjoyed working with Mike as music collegues at North Hills. May you all find comfort your memories of him.
John Van Atta
June 2, 2015
It saddens me to hear the man who introduced me to band has passed. Mr. Bishop was clearly a man who loved working with music and kids as well. His dedication to the band program at North Hills is one of the main reasons why it is one of the best in the country. He was a funny, talented man. A teacher who loved his students, and a beloved friend to us all, it is with a heavy heart to say good-bye to a man who inspired me and my sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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June 1, 2015
My deepest condolences to Mike's family. The Canevin Class of 1970 lost one of it's best. Rest in pease Mike.
Patti (Killmeyer) Frey- CHS Class of 1970
May 31, 2015
To the Bishop family,
Bernice, so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gaye Hockenberry
Debbie Glatz
May 31, 2015
Our prayers are with your family today. Our 4 children all attended Highcliff school and played in the elementary band. Michael has touched the lives of more kids than you will ever know. My kids loved the elementary band concerts! Michael made them special. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on through all of the students he touched. So sorry for your loss
Marsha Kelly
May 29, 2015
It was a privilege to have known Mike. He was my daughter's band teacher at Perrysville Elementary and I taught with him at Seville Elementary. He always had a smile on his face and was an inspiration to all of his band students. My daughter and I will always remember him fondly and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Luke Chuderewicz
May 29, 2015
He was an awesome guy! He was always happy and taught us so much. I try to be like him in aspects of my life so that way I won't forget. Farewell to one of my favorite teachers ever!
May 29, 2015
To the Bishop family,
Sorry for your loss of Mr. Bishop. He was such a nice man and an excellent band teacher/musician. My son enjoyed having him as his first band teacher at Perrysville Elementary, and he is still in band today.
The Lane family
Elva Matous
May 29, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a wonderful man and a caring, terrific teacher.
May 29, 2015
A life well lived. Farewell, and clear sailing ahead, Mike. The world feels its loss of you.
Wendy Besterman
From Canevin's Yearbook, "The Mosaic". 1970
Jeff Keenan
May 29, 2015
From Canevin's Yearbook, "The Mosaic". 1970
Jeff Keenan
May 29, 2015
Bernadette and Jason Fincke
May 29, 2015
The last few years, Jason and I have watched Michael handle every blow that life through his way with the utmost grace and courage and always with a smile on his face. He has been and will continue to be an inspiration to everyone who was fortunate to cross paths with him in this life. His was a life well-lived and we will dearly miss our friend.
Sharon Byers
May 29, 2015
My sincere condolences to you on the loss of Mike. Please know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. Sharon (Sylvester) Byers - CHS Class of 70
May 28, 2015
Rest in Peace Mike. I attended Canevin with Mike and always enjoyed being around him. May God hold you, his family in the palm of His hand and help you deal with this sorry. Bob Bayerlerin HMCM(SW) USN Ret. In the Navy we say fair winds and following seas to shipmates who depart.
J. Braunlich
May 28, 2015
My daughter wishes to acknowledge Mr. Bishop's dedication to music and the great beginner experience he provided to her and her band mates as elementary students. It is with a heavy heart that she shared Mr. Bishop's passing with me, but instead of being sad, she shared her gratefulness for having known him. Thank you, for sharing your husband and Dad with so many extremely fortunate children, but especially with my daughter, who continues to excel with her instrument and love for music, 5 years later.
May 28, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Please be assured God cares for you and will comfort you at this time. 1 Pet. 5:7
May 28, 2015
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband and father. What a wonderful tribute to a fine man. Tony and Betsy Basinski and Family
Brad Wittmer
May 28, 2015
From the entire Brighton Music Center Family our hearts go out to the Bishop family. We are saddened by the loss of such an amazing musician and teacher. He was an inspiration to all musicians and student that he taught in our area, he will be deeply missed by all.
Brad Wittmer owner of Brighton Music Center
Debbie Perdott
May 28, 2015
My deepest condolences to your family. God bless all of you.
Debbie Perdott Canevin Class of 1970
May 28, 2015
My deepest sympathy. - Kate (Mary Kay Tornabene) Madey, Canevin High School, Class of 1970
Sylvia Elsayed
May 28, 2015
Dear Bernice and Family,
I was so sad to read about the passing of Michael. My sons were both students of his at West View Elementary. He was such a wonderful teacher and musician. He always amazed me the way he was able to engage and teach such young children how to play an instrument and I especially loved their concerts. It is such a loss to lose someone so talented so young. My prayers are with your family and I am sure he will be playing music in heaven.
Sylvia Elsayed
Jeffrey Keenan
May 28, 2015
Mike was a genuinely good man without guile or pretense. The ranks of such men thin with the passing of him and the years. -Jeff Keenan CHS Class of '70.
Michael Jeselnik
May 28, 2015
He was just as funny as all of his sons. I will always remember Mr. Bishop telling me the park fence I painted brown reminded him of Vincent Van Goh...Rest in Peace Mr. Bishop
May 28, 2015
We are saddened at the passing of Michael Bishop and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Love,
Your Schodack Family
(Emily, Lilly, Amelia, Lauren, Ryan, Brooke, Jeff, Derek, Becky)
Natalie & Jim Stillwagon
May 28, 2015
Dear Bernice and Family,
We are so saddened by the passing of your beloved, Michael. Your tribute to Michael was written so beautifully and expressed exactly how we always felt about him. We had great respect and admiration for Michael and we know that he was always such a wonderful husband, father, and sincere friend to all who were fortunate to know him! We will sorely miss Michael but we will always hold on to the happy memories we have of him. Michael will always have a special place in our hearts. Rest in Peace Michael. All of you are in our thoughts & prayers.
Love, Natalie & Jim Stillwagon
May 28, 2015
Bernice, God just recalled one of his own a little bit early,perhaps to direct one of His choirs ,but he is surely watching you and the boys. Still remember that bike ride we enjoyed together. Love ya Coach K ... In Amsterdam
Au Family
May 27, 2015
Rest in Peace Mr. Bishop
Monica Anderson
May 27, 2015
My daughter only had him as her Band teacher for her first year before he retired, but he made his mark in that short time, teaching her the foundation of her love for music and performing. We are thankful for his gift of music and teaching and are praying for the everyone that mourns his passing.
Zeitler Family
May 27, 2015
Mr. Bishop was such an inspiration to my children. Never once did he discourage a child. My children have a love of music because of him. He will always hold a place in our hearts. We just saw him at lunch about a month ago and he was praising my children and wishing them well. That is our last memory of him and it was a blessing. Many prayers to your family
May 27, 2015
A terrible loss of a great man too early. Mr. Bishop inspired my daughter to play the clarinet in elementary school and she continues to love playing today in the North Hills Wind Ensemble. He was a dedicated educator who helped children find themselves in beautiful music. Rest in peace Mr. Bishop, you will never be forgotten! God bless your family in this time of loss.
The Pietrzyk Family
The Nolan Family
May 27, 2015
We are saddened by the passing of Mr. Bishop, a loving man and terrific educator who sparked the love of music in the lives of our children at West View Elementary. He will forever be remembered.
Love, The Nolan Family
May 27, 2015
Mr. Bishop was my 5th grade choir teacher at Burchfield Elementary School in Shaler. I can still remember the songs we sang; one being "Oh Bless the Lord My Soul". I met up with him again at the Pittsburgh Teachers Credit Union and then as a parent of band students in the North Hills School District. He was a wonderful teacher and a very kind man. I am sorry for your loss and I will be praying for your family.
Michele Bacasa Pepmeyer
Manny Romanias
May 27, 2015
Ode to Mr. Bishop:
The world has lost a citizen,
the music community has lost a great talent,
I have lost a friend.
Mike was not only a great friend and neighbor, but an accomplished musician. In short, the cat had chops...
The world will miss its citizen,
the music community will miss his talent,
I will miss my friend.
Melinda Freeland
May 27, 2015
Such sad news! Mike was always friendly and smiling when I worked with him at NHSD. My condolences and prayers go out to his family & friends. RIP Mike.
Frank & Carol DeAndrea
May 27, 2015
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.....definitely a life well-lived. He will be missed by so many❤
A. H.
May 27, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tom Welch
May 27, 2015
May God bless Mike and his loving family. He always wore a smile and was as content a person as I had ever met. Wonderful in working with kids and building confidence in them. Gone too soon. Enjoy Heaven and save us all a place at the table.
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101 3rd St, Carnegie, PA 15106
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