Frank J. Michalek

1939 - 10

Frank J. "Francis" Michalek, 71, of Butler, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2011, at the Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople, where he lived for five months. He was surrounded by loved ones. Born Oct. 3, 1939, in Tarentum, he was the son of the late Michael and Stella (Anika) Michalek. Mr. Michalek attended St. Clement Elementary School and Tarentum High School. He continued with his education and became a chemical engineer with degrees from both Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh and held numerous associates degrees in post-graduate studies. He had been employed by Mine Safety Appliances in Evans City as quality control manager and supervisor of Special Filtering. Throughout all his life, Mr. Michalek had a strong work ethic. In March of 1985, his career ended abruptly when he was struck by a car while jogging. As a result, he lost his right arm and was burdened with intractable pain for the remainder of his life. He suffered greatly for 26 years. Prior to the accident, Mr. Michalek enjoyed gardening, wood working and playing cards. He later learned to do leaded glass projects and made several lamps and various other objects. He was very proud of his family and found great joy in his nine grandchildren. As a member of St. Fidelis Roman Catholic Church, he was a member of the Men's Club and had, at one time, been a Eucharistic Minister. He is survived by his wife, Rosita, whom he married in 1963; son, Daniel and wife, Kelly, of Butler; daughter, Maria Stetzer and husband, David, of Las Vegas, Nev.; daughter, Julie Codispot and husband, James, of Butler; brother, John Michalek and wife, Carol, of Stevensville, Md.; sister, Theresa Ross and husband, Andrew, of Melbourne Beach, Fla.; his beloved grandchildren include David, John, Luke and Anna Michalek, of Butler, Emily, Jeremy and Melanie Stetzer, of Las Vegas, Nev., Taylor and Jack Codispot, of Butler; a son, David, preceded him in death; along with four sisters and a brother. The family wishes to recognize the wonderful nurses and aides at Passavant Retirement Community who cared for Frank with such warmth and compassion. Words cannot describe our love and gratitude. You will be in our hearts forever. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Fidelis Church, 125 Buttercup Road, Meridian. Everyone please meet at church. The Rev. James Murphy, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in Butler County Memorial Park. The Bereavement Committee of St. Fidelis Parish will meet at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home for a vigil service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Fidelis Church Building Fund, 125 Buttercup Road, Butler, PA 16001.