Obituary of Michael Staritz

MICHAEL STARITZ, 85, Old Forge, formally of Moosic, died Wednesday at Geisinger Community Medical Center.  His beloved wife Janet Tirpak Staritz died Dec. 17, 2013. 

Born November 5, 1933 in Moosic, he was the son of Michael & Mary Potosky Staritz.  He was a graduate of Moosic High School Class of 1951 and entered the US Air Force, proudly serving during the Korean War.  Mike was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Church, Old Forge.  Mike loved and lived life with fervor, enjoying dancing, singing and playing bingo with friends at Old Forge Manor.  He was an avid walker and Minnesota Vikings fan and he had great devotion to the Mother of God, attending the weekly Moleben service at St. George’s Orthodox Church, Taylor.

Surviving are a daughter, Beth Cwiek and husband, John, Exeter, RI; a son, Paul M. Staritz and fiancé Linda Dukauskas, Bonita Springs, FL; a granddaughter, Lee Cwiek and companion, Sean Tuttle, Alpharetta, GA.

Two sisters, Mary Mayurnink and Anna Lahaszow and two brothers, Charles and Peter Mindos, preceded him in death.

Family and friends are invited to attend Michael’s funeral which will begin on Monday at 9:15 a.m. from the Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St. Taylor followed by Divine Liturgy at 10 am in St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church, 140 Church St. Old Forge to be celebrated by the Rev. Eduard Shestak, pastor.  Interment with military honors will follow in the parish cemetery, Old Forge.  Friends may call Sunday 2-5 p.m.  Parastas services will be at 4:30.