Henry Charles Michalak

Henry Charles Michalak, 87, of Worcester, passed away on Monday, August 2, 2010 in Knollwood Nursing Center. His loving wife of sixty-three years, Alicia A. (Kokernak) Michalak, predeceased him in February 2007.

Henry is survived by a daughter, Michelle Deignan and her husband Kevin, with whom he lived; two sons: Richard Michalak and his wife Karen of Worcester and Paul Michalak and his wife Patricia of Stratford, CT; two brothers: Edward and George Michalak both of Shrewsbury; two sisters: Irene Gregarczyk of Shrewsbury and Helene Johnson of Worcester; nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by five brothers: John, Peter, Walter, Alfred and Robert Michalak and by three sisters: Theresa Luks, Regina Cleveland and Catherine Granger.

He was born in Shrewsbury, son of the late Casmir and Maryann (Kolodziejczak) Michalak, and attended Shrewsbury High School.

Henry worked at Wyman-Gordon Company before he was drafted into the Army in 1943. He served overseas in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre in the 573rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery. Upon his return from the Army, he went to work for New England High Carbon Wire in Millbury, where he remained for thirty-four years, retiring in 1981. Henry loved fresh-water fishing, vegetable and flower gardening, "wintering" in Florida and polka music. He was a founding member of Saint Joan of Arc Parish.

Henry was a dedicated family man and pro-lifer, believing that life was a precious gift and family was what made you wealthy. He found the greatest joy in life was his wife and family and the special times spent with them.

Calling hours for Henry will be held on Thursday, August 5, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. His funeral will be held on Friday, August 6, from the funeral home, with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery, Webster.

Flowers may be sent or donations may be made to Saint Joan of Arc-Building Fund, 570 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605.