Michael S. Kaschak Sr.

Dec. 18, 2012

Michael S. Kaschak Sr., affectionately known as "Mike the Barber," 89, a resident of Swoyersville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 18, 2012, at the Golden Living Center, Summit Campus, Wilkes-Barre, where he had been a guest since May.

His beloved wife was the late Margaret A. (Ragan) Kaschak, who passed away on Oct. 25, 2012. Together, Michael and Margaret celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 9, 2012.

Born on Jan. 16, 1923, in Mestisko, Czechoslovakia, Michael was the son of the late Adalbert "Albert" Kaschak and Susan (Matas) Kaschak.

At the age of 12, Michael immigrated to the United States with his family. His father was born in Mocanaqua, and later immigrated to Czechoslovakia, where he met Michael's mother. Michael, his mother and his sisters came to this country already citizens of the United States because his father was born a citizen. Upon their arrival, they settled in Larksville, where Michael's parents continued to raise their family.

A United States Army Veteran, Michael honorably served his country during World War II with the 330th Antitank Company of the 83rd Infantry Division. During his time in the service, Michael participated in combat in France, Luxembourg and Germany. While in battle on December 10, 1944, he was struck by enemy fire and was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries. He was also decorated with the Eastern-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, the American Service Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon his honorable discharge on Aug. 5, 1945, Michael had attained the rank of Private First Class.

Following the war, Michael attended barbering school in New York City and became a licensed barber in both Pennsylvania and New York.

For over 50 years, Michael owned and operated Mike's Barbershop, which was located on Oxford Street in the Lee Park section of Hanover Township, retiring in 2001.

Michael was a faithful Catholic and longtime member of the former Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Swoyersville, where he held membership with the parish's Holy Name Society.

Following the consolidation of his church in June, Michael became a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville.

Michael was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Assumpta Council 3987, Luzerne, where he was best known for providing free haircuts to his fellow Knights. He was also a 4th Degree Member of the Our Lady of Czestochowa, Assembly 1928, Luzerne. Additionally, Michael was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Union.

An avid outdoorsman, Michael greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing. He spent many of his summer days fishing on Cayuga Lake in New York.

Michael was an exceptionally devoted and loving family man. His loved ones meant everything to him, and he cherished each moment he had with them. His presence will be deeply missed, but it brings comfort to know that he and his beloved Margaret are once again reunited in heaven.

In addition to his parents, Albert and Susan Kaschak, and his beloved wife, Margaret, Michael was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Leila Kaschak; his great-grandson Joseph Michael Kaschak; his brother, Jan Kaschak; his sisters Anna Maximowicz and Helen Kuchta.

Michael is survived by his children, Phillip Kaschak and his companion, Carol, of Navarre, Florida; Joseph Kaschak and his wife, Marion, of Centermoreland; Thomas Kaschak and his wife, Tracie, of Hanover, Virginia; Michael Kaschak Jr. and his wife, Cheryl, of Centermoreland; Stephen Kaschak and his wife, Ruth, of Courtdale; John Kaschak and his wife, Judy, of Wilkes-Barre Township; Peggy Polney and her husband, Edward, of Swoyersville; his 13 grandchildren; his seven great-grandchildren; his sisters Irene Kaschak, of Pringle, and May Yencha, of Levittown; numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, which will be conducted on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. from the Wroblewski Funeral Home Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, his pastor, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The members of the Knights of Columbus, Assumpta Council, 3987 will recite the Rosary on Thursday at 6 p.m.

For additional information or to send the Kaschak family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Michael's memory to the Golden Living Center - Summit, 50 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.