Michael Gresh Jr.

Michael Gresh, Jr., age 93, of Erie passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home. He was born in Johnstown, Pa. on September 4, 1923, a son of the late Michael Gresh, Sr. and Julia (Hnath) Gresh.

Michael served in the United States Army, 106th Infantry Division during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was a prisoner of war for four months afterward, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart for suffering frostbite while imprisoned. Michael was a self-employed long haul truck driver for many years until his retirement.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church and was a man of profound and devout faith. Michael enjoyed planting and working in his summer garden. He was always tinkering and working on inventions in his workshop. As a hobby early in his life, he earned a private pilot's license and enjoyed flying short regional trips.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 47 years, Lillian (Necci) Gresh, his brothers John and Paul Gresh and his sisters, Julia Baumann, Ann Zonna, Irene Smith, Katherine Korinko, Olga, Mary, Margaret and Helen Gresh.

Michael is survived by his children, P. Eric Gresh, wife Jackie of Colorado Springs, Colo., Michael Gresh, III, wife Barbara of Tulsa, Okla., Mary Kula, husband James of Waterford, Patricia Schellbach, husband Very Rev. Fr. Paul of Scranton, Pa. and David Gresh, wife Carol of Erie; and eight grandchildren, Sarah Gresh, Kendra Burrell, husband Steve, Brian Gresh, wife Ashley, Erica Stouten, husband Jason, Andrew Kula, wife Ashley, Julie Kula, Joseph Gresh and Nicholas Gresh. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, November 20 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street at Greengarden Blvd. A Funeral service will be held at Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, 25636 N. Mosiertown Road on Monday November 21 at 1:00 PM. Burial with full military honors will follow in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, 25636 N. Mosiertown Road, Edinboro, 16412 or charity of one's choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com

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