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BORN
1944
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Gmerek Obituary
age 69, of Akron, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2014, surrounded by family and in the arms of his loving wife, listening to one of his favorite songs, 'Mustang Sally'. He was born in Akron on Oct. 19, 1944 to the late Michael and Rita Gmerek. He graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1964 until 1970. He married Patricia Ann Sepelak on Oct. 27, 1973. He worked for Firestone Tire and Rubber, Consolidated Freightways, and Acme. Mike loved going to the casino, watching the Browns, Buckeyes, Cavs and Indians, dancing at family weddings, riding his Harley, playing golf, singing karaoke, reading to his grandchildren, playing Texas Hold ‘Em, and splitting firewood for backyard bonfires. He was a caring husband and father, and cherished his role as 'Papa' to his 15 grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to read them a book, watch them play in their various sporting events, or take them for a tractor ride around the yard. 'Polish Flash', as Mike called himself, had a sense of humor like no other. He often made himself laugh so hard that he had to wipe his eyes with his hanky.
Mike will be forever loved and remembered by his loving wife of 40 years, Pat; five children John (Amy) Gmerek, Mike (Kim) Gmerek, Jason (Erin) Gmerek, Heather (Matthew) Crockett, and Brad (Melissa) Gmerek; and his 15 grandchildren, Mila, Raina, and Sonia Gmerek; Jake, Maxx, and Addy Gmerek; Ava, Samson, Marlo and Lyra Gmerek; Kayla and Alexa Crockett; and Owen, Luke, and Mason Gmerek; siblings, Bill (Monie) Gmerek, Joanie (Dave) Brubach, Marci (Sam) Bisesi, and Bernie (Karen) Gmerek, as well as numerous nieces & nephews. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sisters Rita, Donna and Betty.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5-8 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home KUCKO- ANTHONY-KERTESZ Chapel 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church on Manchester Rd. The Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation PO Box 759329 Baltimore, MD 21275-9329 or online at melanoma.org.
(Anthony Funeral Homes,
AKRON, 330.724.1281,
anthonyfh.com)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Gmerek
Jenny Derks
August 22, 2014
Pat I'm so sorry for your loss I was out of town just found out. I REALLY ENJOYED working with Mike at Acme. He always had us laughing. I'll miss his smile and sense of humor he added a lot of fun to the cake center
August 21, 2014
Uncle Mickey you always called me fast Eddie. I will always have fond memories of you at Grandma Gmerek's with your motorcycle and the rides you gave all the kids, even if we were too young. God bless you and your whole family!
Love,
Eddie & Jennifer Clark
Penny Dirrig Cummings
August 21, 2014
Any of the 52 graduates of the class of 1958 of Annunciation Grade School will have a happy memory to share when we think of Mickey Gmerek. His intelligence and wit sparked many happy moments in our classroom. The angels in Heaven are enjoying his company!
Mike, Lorraine, Shawny & Tyler Butler
August 20, 2014
Dear Pat & Family, So very sorry for your loss. I will remember Mike caring for his yard and seeing him play with his grandchildren. He used to scare my kids when they were little playing next door. He was a great guy. With Sincere condolences. The Butler Family.
Joe Shuber
August 20, 2014
Gmerek Family,
I am sorry for your loss. Your dad was a good person and I am happy that I was able to cross paths with him on the journey of life. He taught me a few things that I will always remember. His style was classic. So know that he is still with you and will always be at your side and know that his love will forever be ingrained in your hearts. Thank you for the introduction Jason. I love you and I'm here for you for anything.
Your Friend Always!
Joe Shuber
August 20, 2014
To the entire Gmerek family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss...my thoughts and prayers are with you
Angela Somerville (Whytsell)
Patti Gmerek
August 20, 2014
Dear Pat and Family: I was so saddened to hear of Mickey's passing! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. My memory of him is that he always had a smile on his face! I was just telling someone about how if someone saw the name "Gmerek", I would be asked how I was related to Mickey! He was one popular dude! May he rest in peace!
Patty and Marty, Mallory, Mike, Liam, Corey and Dylan
August 20, 2014
Aunt Pat and all our Gmerek cousins: We are all so sad about the loss of our beloved Uncle Mickey. The legacy he has left with all of us will be cherished forever. We were all very blessed to have had him in our lives and to have so many wonderful memories of him. God bless you all-and the rest of our family-with strength and comfort as we face the difficult days ahead without him. Rest assured he's in Heaven...dancing with his sisters!
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Aug
21
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Anthony Funeral Homes, Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel1990 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44301
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Anthony Funeral Homes, Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel1990 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44301
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