Obituary of Michael A. Soyka

SOYKA – Michael A. Jr., 86, Nanty Glo, died Nov. 19, 2011, at Memorial Medical Center. Born May 29, 1925, in Nanty Glo, son of the late Michael Sr. and Mary (Cvercko) Soyka. Preceded in death by infant sisters, Betty and Mary, and brothers, John and Steve. Survived by wife, the former Katherine Berdomas; children, George M. (Mona), Nanty Glo; Gregory M. (Mary Kay), Salem, Ohio; Mary Lynn (Robert) Marines, Melborne Fla.; Michael “Mick” (Kathleen), Lewes, Del.; and Brian (Vickie), Ebensburg; grandchildren, Nicole Rummel, Jocelyn Divido, Jessica Montagnese, Matthew Soyka, Mitchell, Noah and Luke Marnies, Michael A. and Benjamin Soyka, John and Bobby Soyka and Jack and Marlow Soyka; great-grandchildren, Addison Divido, Carter and Chase Rummel and Cecelia, Lucia and Johnha Montagnese; brother, Dr. John (Lucy) Soyka; and sister, Helena (John) Dropcho, Indiana, Pa. Member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Nanty Glo. Retired elementary school principal in the Blacklick Valley School District, where he also coached the golf team. Mike touched the lives of countless students. U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, having served in the South Pacific during World War II. Member of GCU Lodge 401, VFW Post 3489 and American Legion Post 619, all of Nanty Glo. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Bowser-Ondriezek Funeral Home, Nanty Glo, where Parastas will be held Tuesday. A Panachida service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, followed by Funeral Liturgy at 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church, Nanty Glo, Father Robert Yetsko, TOR, celebrant. Interment, Holy Name Mausoleum, Ebensburg. Veterans service will be held by local veterans organizations.