Mr. Michael Mikitish, of Duryea, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Wesley Village Nursing Home, Jenkins Township surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Pittston, he was a son of the late Stephen and Anna Mikitish. He was a graduate Pittston High School, Class of 1941 and attended Wilkes University when he returned from the military service. He served in the United States Army during WW II in both Europe and the Pacific, landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on D-Day in 1944 and participating in the military campaign to take the island of Okinawa near Japan in 1945.

He was formerly employed by the Smithsonian Institute of National Aeronautics Space Museum in Washington, D.C., where he was involved in the restoration of many historical aircraft and space vehicles, including Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis. He made his home in Washington, D.C. for 29 years before returning to the area in 1979.

He was a member of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, Pittston where he served for many years as the cantor. He studied and practiced Ruthenian Church plain chant and as well as maintained his Slovak and Carpatho-Rusyn traditions.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He deeply loved his family and was always there when they needed him. Michael and his late wife, Geraldine, who passed away on February 2, 2010, celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on January 24, 2010.

In addition to his parents and wife, Michael was also preceded in death by his twin sisters, Anna Rava and Margaret Lawrence; his brothers, Joseph Mikitish, John Mikitish and Stephen Mikitish; and his sisters, Helen Oprendick, Marion McGuire and Theresa Bruno.

Surviving are:
Daughter, Michele Barna of Pittston
Daughter, Geraldine M. Jones of Washington, D.C.
Son, Dr. Michael Mikitish and his wife, Rosa Maria, of Cherry Hill, N.J.
Son, Peter Paul Mikitish and his wife, Michelle of Pittston
10 grandchildren, Nicole and John Warnek, Robert, Nicholas and Joseph Jones, Stephanie and Joseph Mikitish, Elizabeth, Katrina and Michael Mikitish
5 great grandchildren

Sister in law, Francis Marie Levenoskie of Swoyersville
Sister in law, Mary Mikitish of Tuscan, Arizona
Numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be held on Monday, April 18, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. from the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main St., Duryea, with a Mass of the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. in St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, 205 North Main Street, Pittston by the Rev. Gary Mensinger. Interment will be in the Parish Cemetery, Pittston. A viewing will be held on Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Parastas Services will be held Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m.
Panachida Services will be held on Monday morning at 9:15 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Byzantine Church. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website, www.piontekfuneralhome.com.

PLEASE NOTE: YOUR ONLINE CONDOLENCE WILL NOT APPEAR UNDER THE GUESTBOOK ENTRIES UNTIL IT IS APPROVED BY THE FUNERAL HOME

Guestbook Entries

We will always remember Uncle Mike’s kind eyes and a warm smile. He often displayed a calm and happy demeanor, and will be sadly missed. After reading his obituary, we were struck at the impressive life he lived. Condolences to his closest family members, we are truly sorry for your loss. Sincerely, The Campbell Family (Matt, Lisa, Jacob, Darby and Kerry)

Lisa Campbell (Levenoskie) (about 8 years ago)

I am so sorry for your loss of your father, grandfather and great grandfather he will be missed.

Richard Beresovoy (Supervisor at Wesley Village Kitchen) (about 8 years ago)

In sympathy and love, I want to extend my condolences to my dear cousins, Michael Jude, Michele, Gerry, & Peter Paul and their families. When I think of Uncle Mike, I think of fun happy family times in my parents backyard or at your parents home. Both your mom and dad will be missed and fond memories of our families will stay with me forever. Love Cheryl Ann and family

Cheryl Ann Erdman (Levenoskie) (about 8 years ago)

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