Michael P. Pogwist

Michael P. Pogwist

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Pap, Michael P. Pogwist, 87, of Tamaqua, who passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 1938, in Summit Hill, he was a son of the late Walter J. and Stella (Fornagiel) Pogwist.

Mike was also predeceased by his beloved wife of 49 years, Patricia A. (Heller) Pogwist; a son, Michael F. Pogwist; an infant sister Mary; and a brother, Walter S. (Sonny) Pogwist.

Surviving are a daughter, Lisa Filloy, and her husband, Rob, with whom he resided; his grandchildren whom he adored, Zachary and Nathan Filloy and Ali Rose and Alex Pogwist; and a brother, Joseph Pogwist.

He was a devout Catholic and member of St. John XXIII Parish, Tamaqua.

Mike proudly served in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged after nine years of service with the rank of SGT E-5.

He was employed as a skilled sewing machine mechanic, having learned his trade at Walter W. Moyer Co., Ephrata, and later at the J.E. Morgan Knitting Mill, Tamaqua/Hometown, where he retired, after 33-1/2 years of dedicated service.

After retirement, Mike kept busy with part-time employment with John Vanak Detective Agency at both Hart Metals, Inc., Tamaqua, and Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale. Most recently, he worked as a part-time custodian/handyman at the Tamaqua Elementary School.

Mike was well known in the community as the guy who can fix any sewing machine or sharpen scissors.

Mike looked forward to Saturday morning coffee club with his close friends from Morgans. They would talk for hours and reminisce about the "old days."

Mike loved hunting and fishing with his family. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Philadelphia Phillies. Above all things, Mike was a true family man. He was always there to show his love and support. His smile and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Service: Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church, 307 Pine St., Tamaqua. Interment, Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown. Call 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua. Contributions in his name may be made to the church, 18252. Online condolences or a fond memory of Mike can be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.