Michael S. Ferrence

Michael S. Ferrence, 70, of Hazleton, passed away Thursday evening at his residence with his wife at his side.

He was born in Hazleton, son of Mary (Kozel) Ferrence, Hazleton, and the late Michael Ferrence. He was a member of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, where he served as cantor for a number of years.

Prior to retiring, he was employed at the Hazleton Area School District and previously at Redco Adult Handicap Center. Michael played drums in the Happy Cavaliers Polka Band and several other local polka bands.

He was preceded in death, in addition to his father, by a sister, Margaret Ferrence.

He is survived, in addition to his mother, by his wife, the former Louisa Velas; and the following children, Valisa Peck and her husband, Rick, South Carolina; Michael Ferrence and his wife, Julia, Philadelphia; Sheena Lorenz and her husband, Chris, South Carolina; Ashley Heydt and her husband, Kyle, Palmerton; Alex Ferrence and his wife, Liz, Philadelphia; the following brother and sisters, Andrew Ferrence and his wife, Susan, Philadelphia; Mary Hensel and her husband, Kenneth, Dallas; and Theresa Kashi and her husband, John, Danville, 10 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation period from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Frank J. Bonin Funeral Home Inc., Hazleton.