Archpriest Michael J. Mihalick, 63, fell asleep in the Lord peacefully at home on the morning of Monday, December 10, 2012. For many years, Father Michael had fought a valiant battle against progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
He was born in Johnstown, PA, on December 1, 1949, the son of the late George and Ann (Hudak) Mihalick. After graduation from Duquesne University, he attended and graduated from Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood, NY, in 1975. After a pilgrimage to the relics of Saint Herman of Alaska, he remained in Alaska and was a beloved teacher at Saint Herman’s Theological Seminary, Kodiak, AK.
On September 10, 1978, he married the former Janet Maksimoff. He was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood respectively on September 29 and November 5 of the same year, after which he was assigned rector of Saint Michael Church, Irvona, PA and Saint Mary Church, Madera, PA. In 1983 he was assigned to Holy Transfiguration Church, Pearl River, NY. In December 1984, he was reassigned to Saint Andrew’s Church, Dix Hills, NY, which he faithfully served until his retirement on July 1, 2001.
Father Michael was a lover of prayer, solitude and contemplation. An avid reader, he was a lover of nature and both secular art and church beautification. He encouraged helping the poor and needy.
Father Michael was preceded in death by his parents and brother, G. Gregory Mihalick. A devoted husband and father, he is survived by his wife, Matushka Janet, and daughter Alexandra (Benjamin) Gajewski. He is also survived by his sisters, Maryanne (Joseph) Manganello, and Tricia Euen and brother David (Kathleen) Mihalick. He is also survived by an aunt, two uncles, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Johnstown, PA on Thursday, December 13. A Parastas will be sung at 6:00 p.m. Additional visitation will be held at Holy Transfiguration Monastery, 321 Monastery Lane, Ellwood City, PA on Friday, December 14, beginning at 4:00 p.m., with the singing of a Parastas at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service for a Priest will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at the monastery church on Saturday, December 15, followed by interment in the monastery cemetery.
Father Michael’s family requests that donations in his memory be made to the Holy Transfiguration Monastery Building Fund or to help the needy in some way. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.
May Father Michael’s memory be eternal!