Michael Oravecz

Published in the Johnstown Tribune Democrat from 5/20/2009 - 5/22/2009

ORAVECZ – Michael, 91, Jamestown, Portage Township, died May 20, 2009, at home. Born Sept. 26, 1917, in Portage, the son of Frank and Catherine (Babula) Oravecz.

Preceded in death by parents; wife, Margaret (Kotelnicki) Oravecz; brothers: Joseph, Stephen, John, Martin and Thomas; and sister, Mary Modrak. Survived by eldest son, Donald Oravecz (Mary Kearney), Loretto, and their children, Adam and Heather, who live out of town.

Also survived by his daughter, Carol (Tony Pyo), Portage, and his son, David, with whom he resided and who were at home at his side when he peacefully passed unto the Lord.

Brother of Frank Oravecz, Cleveland; Stanley Oravecz, Benscreek; George Oravecz; Portage; Rose Kemp, Cleveland; Helen Lawrence, San Diego, Calif.; and Andrew Oravecz, Albuquerque, N.M. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was an organic gardener, fisherman and avid reader. He believed in nutrition, vitamins and a healthy eating style.

People of his generation remembered him as a great baseball pitcher in this area who played in the southern minor league. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Retired in 1977 as a welder from Bethlehem Steel Corp.

There will be no viewing or visitation, but family and friends are invited to the funeral Mass at 1 p.m. Friday at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Mountain Avenue, Portage, Father Ronald V. Osinski, celebrant.

Committal in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Family requests memorial contributions be made to Southern Care Inc., 820 E. Main St., Roaring Spring, Pa. 16673.

The Mark A. Serenko Funeral Home, Portage, is serving the Oravecz family.