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Michael Heraty Obituary
He was born March 13, 1937, in Jacksonville, Illinois, son of the late William Buryle Heraty and Verna Mae Chenoweth Heraty.
Mike was a 1955 graduate of Clarion Area High School in Clarion, Pa., and served proudly in the U.S. Army before returning to Clarion and then earning his bachelor's degree from Ball State University. Mike worked 35 years at Owens Illinois becoming one of the leading salesmen and sales managers in the company despite the loss of most of his hearing in his early 20s.
Mike was an avid golfer and a longstanding member of the Vinoy Golf Club in St. Petersburg where he won many annual golf tournaments. He loved playing golf with his buddies but truly treasured those rounds played with his wife, sons and grandchildren.
Upon his retirement Mike spent a few years traveling the world with his beloved travel companion, Mary Kay. Mike was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 66 in Clarion. Mike enjoyed spending time with his family and was an incredible father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. He was a great friend to many and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
He is survived by the love of his life, Mary Kay Dooley Heraty, who he married May 5, 1962. Also surviving are his sons, Patrick Heraty (Molly) and Timothy Heraty (Maria); four grandchildren, John Heraty (Jenna), Madeline Heraty Brook (Brian), Michael Heraty and Sean Heraty; four great-grandchildren, Micah, Layne, Virginia and Jameson; his sister-in-law, Patricia Acker Stromske; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard "Dick" Heraty, and Dick's wife, Uli; friend and brother-in-law Jack Acker; and his nephew, Timothy Acker.
A Mass of Christian burial will happen at a later date this year at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Cemetery in Alton, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Mike's honor to the American School for the Deaf and the American Society for Deaf Children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Heraty
5 Entries
Carolyn Golden
August 10, 2024
Just finding out about Mike´s death, we are so sorry. Have been trying to contact Mary Kay for some time, mail is returned and home phone disconnected, and no answer on her cell phone. Pray she is okay.
Sally Mcfadden
June 3, 2024
I´m shocked to see Mike´s obituary. It appears that Mike and Mary Kay have moved from St. Petersburg.
We liked Mike very much. He and Mary Kay were friends of ours from the Vinoy country club.
Our prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Love and prayers Tom and Sally McFadden
Lee Williams
May 10, 2024
I played a lot of golf with Mike. I was very sad to hear of his passing. Mike was always upbeat and one of the happiest guys I know. Once, I made a comment that I wasn't too smart, but "I didn't just fall off a turnip truck". He looked at me and said, "I fell off a truck and that's why my leg is stiff". I heard the whole story and it was amazing what he went through. This never bothered him and he was able to win tournaments with ease. I'm going to miss Mike a lot.
Nancy E Longmeyer
May 5, 2024
So sorry Mary Kay, Pat and Tim. I always enjoyed his visits and really enjoyed my trips to Florida to see him and Mary Kay. Mike was one of my favorite people, he was a very sweet man. I will miss our visits and phone calls.
Larry Simons
May 4, 2024
I was an usher in mikes wedding, derby day 1962. He was my friend and college mate at Ball State. Mary K, God bless. U have my phone number, Larry Simons
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