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Michael J.
Szakacs
Michael J. Alexander Szakacs, 76, passed away on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in his home in Lehighton.
He was born on Jan. 10, 1945, in Palmerton, to Charles S. Cook and Anna Kralik Schneck (both dceased).
He was baptized at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
He and his wife, Donna (Guth Zellin) Szakacs, were married 14 years this past July 7.
After graduating from Palmerton High School in 1962, he joined the U.S. Army. While a military police officer stationed in France, he was awarded the title of Expert with the M-14 Rifle during his three years of service.
Upon return home, he signed up with the Army Reserves for another three years.
Mike's next career path took him to proudly serve and provide safety to the citizens of Pennsylvania as a state trooper for 23 years until he retired in 1992. Never able to sit still for long, Mike also worked for Martz Trailways Bus Company and CLIU No. 21.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #314 in Lehighton.
You could always tell where Mike was in a crowd ... in the center, as the life of the party with the best stories and jokes. He loved the outdoors, fishing and camping with his family as well as yard sales and public auctions with friends looking for the next great deal. His latest purchase? A massive blue leather couch.
He tinkered constantly with things around the house, from solar panels on the roof to pinball and pachinko machines in the garage and especially, cars and his prized MGB. His love of vehicles led to owning over 100 of them (he even has a list!) in his lifetime, which kept his daughters and stepsons in cars well into their late 20s.
He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved him, especially his four-legged companion, Bandit.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Donna; his sister, Kathryn Driscoll of Culpeper, VA; treasured daughters, Shannon Knappenberger (Edward) of Lehighton and Jennifer Szakacs Strohl (Jerry) of Jim Thorpe; stepsons, Jason Zellin and fianceé, Jade, of Summit Hill, and Nathan Zellin, and girlfriend, Amanda, of Whitehall; six adored grandchildren, Joshua and McKenna Knappenberger, Abriel, Alexis and Jackson Strohl, Kinslee Zellin; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by kin, Charles Szakacs Jr., Sandra Boger, Dennis (DC) Szakacs and G. James Schneck; his stepmother, Elizabeth Cook; and stepfather, George Schneck.
Service: The family will announce the details for a Celebration of Life service later in the month. Schaeffer Funeral Home, Lehighton, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the PA Veterans' Trust Fund, Bldg. 0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003.
Online condolences can be offered at www.schaefferfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Schaeffer Funeral Home.
5 Entries
Donna and family, please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of Mike. He will certainly be missed. May the wonderful memories of the times you shared bring you comfort in your mourning. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Carla and Robert Hill and Donna Greene
November 15, 2021
Szakacs family and friends, Sorry for your loss. Many memories of times past provide some comfort during this difficult time. Mike, Youn have joined many family memories now. RIP cous.
Terry and Karen Heiney
Family
November 8, 2021
Joe, Nancy Herzog & family sends our condolences in the loss of my cousin to Mike's family. He always lightened up events with his comical stories. Love, Nancy
Nancy Herzog
November 8, 2021
My Condolences to the Family ...Rest in Peace...
george e zellers
November 8, 2021
Sir,
Thank You for Your service to our country and our state.
God Bless You!
God be with your family!
Sincerely,
A Grateful US Citizen
Grateful
November 8, 2021
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