Michael Joseph Warhola

WARHOLA, Dr. Michael Joseph, 91, of Tampa, passed away Sunday, December 7th, 2014. Born in Lorain, OH, he graduated from Lorain High School. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army Corps in 1942. As part of the Command Squadron 19th Tactical C Group, he fought in the European theater of WWII, serving in Normandy, Northern France & the Rhineland, Germany. He was on a troop transport ship heading for the Pacific theater when the war with Japan ended. After his military service, he attended Ohio State University and received his Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. Shortly after, he enrolled in the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Des Moines, Iowa. He came to Florida in the 1950's after completing his residency in Dallas, TX. He first resided in High Springs, FL where he started his medical practice as a family physician before moving to Tampa. He had his medical practice in South Tampa until he retired in 1988. During his life, he fulfilled his dream of traveling the world, including many trips to Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. He was an avid Bridge player, enjoyed gaming at the greyhound tracks of Florida and casinos of Las Vegas and enjoyed reading novels and biographies. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Carroll Warhola, and his oldest child, Mark Warhola (Myra). He is survived by his children, daughters Margo Shepard (Mike) and Mikhaila Warhola (Pete) and son Matthew Warhola (Kelly). He is also survived by his grandchildren Michael Warhola (Melissa), Martel Warhola (Allison), Andrew Shepard, Jennifer Few, Annie Farris (Jon), Jacqueline Aleksy, Emily Shepard, Zachary Warhola, Tyler Warhola and his two great grandchildren, Mason Courtney and Jordyn Gwinner. A gathering will be held from 5:30pm until the service time at 6:00pm on Thursday, December 11th at Blount & Curry, 605 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, FL 33609. In Lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his name to G.R.E.A.T., Inc., P.O. Box 152407, Tampa, FL 33684-2407, a local greyhound rescue and adoption organization to honor his love of greyhounds.