Michael J. Zdarko Jr.

Michael J. Zdarko, Jr., 89, of Erie, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023, at his residence.
He was born on October 15, 1933, in Titusville, PA, son of the late Michael J. Zdarko, Sr. and Ruth (Foley) Lee.
He moved to Erie with his parents at the start of World War II. Michael went to St. Andrew's grade school, and graduated from Cathedral Prep in the Class of 1951. While at Prep, he played baseball for four different organizations. His love of baseball continued throughout his life with his favorite team being the Boston Red Sox.
He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Baltimore during the Korean Conflict. He held the rank of Radar 3rd Class.
He was a member of The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades for over 40 years. He was employed as a glazier and worked at Schaal Glass and many other glass companies in the tri-state area. When the current building at 100 State Street in Erie was built, Mike ran the entire glass job.
Michael got his love of Lake Erie from his Mother, who took him to the beach during the summers when he was young. As an adult, he purchased a cottage on Lake Front Drive that became his pride and joy for over 45 years, along with his boat, the Orange Blossom Special.
In retirement, he loved bowling, pitching horseshoes, and taking his wife dancing to country music at various clubs in the area.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Michael Zdarko III.
He is survived by the love of his life for the past 45 years, his wife Barbara (Archacki) Zdarko. Children Patrick Zdarko (Cathy) of Erie; Janice Warner (Al) of Franklin, NH; Matthew Zdarko (Pamella) of New Orleans, LA; Molly Morin of Austin, TX; Jennifer Deatherage (Jason) of Raleigh, NC; and Jessica Figueroa (Hector) of Erie. Also survived by brother, Mark Zdarko of Idaho, sister Nancy Svoboda of IL, godson Rodney Wells from Plano, TX; and several nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
Friends may call at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pine Avenue Branch, 845 East 38th Street, on Thursday, April 20, 2023, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a prayer service at the funeral home on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at St. John the Baptist Church, 509 East 26th Street, at 10:00 a.m.
Burial will be in Trinity Cemetery.