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Michael Danchak Obituary
Michael E. Danchak, 69, of Coaldale, died Monday in Bethlehem. He was the husband of Deborah (Killian) Dan-chak.
Michael started
working at the Angela Theatre when he was 13, working his way from usher to projectionist. He also worked at the Victoria Theatre in Tamaqua. He was a projectionist and technician for major movie chains such as Sameric, Budco and Redstone, up and down the East Coast.
He leased and ran the Country View Drive-In in Barnesville, the Point Drive-In in Danville, and the Mahoning Drive-In in Lehighton for many years. Michael bought the Angela Theatre in 1993 and restored it from a single theater to its present three-screen theater; running first-run movies and realizing the dream he had since a young man.
Born in Coaldale, he was a son of the late Nicholas and Helen (Besak) Danchak.
He was a member of the 1965 class at Panther Valley High School.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are sons, Michael Danchak Jr. of Bethlehem, Mark Danchak and his wife, Erika, in Maryland, and Michael Deuber and his wife, Tara, of Schuylkill Haven; daughters, Maureen Godley and Michelle Danchak, both of Easton, and Melissa, wife of Bill Bisher of Easton; stepchildren, Cheryl, wife of Chuck Boltz of Shippensburg and John Schucker Isige and his wife, Suzanne, in Wisconsin; 22 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and one on the way; a sister, Catherine Soberick of Lansford; and a special friend, Josiah Algard of Coaldale.
He was also predeceased by a brother, Nicholas Martin Danchak, who died in 1974.
Service: 9 p.m., Thursday, at the Angela Theater, 113 E. Phillip St., Coaldale. Call 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, at the theater. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, PA 18252; or to www.fundthe funeral.com/michael-e-danchak to cover funeral expenses. Online condolences at www.zgfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Danchak
Sponsored by Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc..
Josiah Algard
May 8, 2021
4 years and sometimes its like I still expect him to be there when I am going over the projector systems. The smartest man i ever met. I miss you Mike.
Josiah Algard
May 3, 2020
I can't believe it's been three years. It feels like we only set up the projector in theater three last week. Not a day goes by that I don't stop and think of you and everything you taught me, I miss you Mike.
Josiah Algard
May 3, 2019
Mike, I can't believe it's been two years already that your gone. I miss you more and more every day. I pray that you are smiling down on us as we keep your legacy at The Angela going. I love you and will never forget you. ~ Josiah
Bob Palinchak
May 12, 2017
Condolences to the extended family for the loss of Michael. Our fathers were cousins and our parents were friends with many visitations at the Greenwood Street home. Also delivered newspapers there daily and worked at the Angela. Michael was always creative and had an actively engaged mind that seemed to focus on fixing and improving all that he encountered. His upbringing and challenges only served to develop his creativity and approach to life. Movies were his passion and he was truly a self-made man! Rest In Peace...
May 11, 2017
Sheila Duffy
Sheila & Mike Duffy
May 11, 2017
Deb so sorry for your loss. Mike was a wonderful and very intelligent man who will be missed very much. I enjoyed every night working at the drive-in with Mike and miss it dearly. Your in my prayers Deb
May 10, 2017
So sorry Deb about your husband it was such a surprise when I read the paper. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Melody Linkchorst
So sorry Deb for the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Melody Linkchorst
Josiah Algard
May 10, 2017
Mike was the most intelligent and kind man that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, he was my mentor and one of my closest friends. Mike, you will forever be in our hearts.....R.I.P.
Ara Barlieb
May 10, 2017
This gentle man was a tinker of the highest order, a fellow who could look at a mud puddle and transform it into a park fountain. He loved showing movies more than people like making them. And if you met him for five minutes, he was your friend for life. Poegnanie, Michael.
Nancy Mangino
May 10, 2017
Will miss you a great man worked for you at Eric theatre in easton
yvonne sigafoos
May 9, 2017
Sorry for your loss RIP
Dan & Nate Rickert
May 9, 2017
We are going to miss you, and ALL you have done for the town of Coaldale.
Trudy Knecht
May 9, 2017
Sorry for your loss R.I.P.
Mike and Deb at Mahoning Drive In
Kurt Fisher
May 9, 2017
Mike, the news you died hit me really hard. I had all the admiration in the world for you, and you are sorely missed. I hope you're enjoying directing those old time movies in heaven.
Gloria Bercher
May 9, 2017
Deb: Deepest sympathy to you and the family at this time of your loss of Mike. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Jack and Bev Schneider
May 9, 2017
Deb and Family: We are so sorry for the loss of Mike. Treasure the memories you shared together as they are very precious ones. He will certainly be missed by family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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