Obituary of Michael B. Oravec

Michael B. Oravec passed away Saturday, April 9 within a week of his 88th birthday, in the presence of his loving family. Mike was born in Akron, OH to Louis and Mary (Kuzolovski) Oravec who had immigrated to this country from their native Czechoslovakia in the early 1900's. Mike was a man who believed God and family were the top priorities in life and he lived accordingly. He has been a member of St. Francis de Sales Parish in the Portage Lakes since 1956 where he attended daily Mass and served Mass until his health no longer allowed. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3410. He was a 4th Degree Knight of the Monsignor O'Keefe Assembly. Mike was a veteran of World War II, having seen action in the U.S. Navy aboard a destroyer in the South Pacific, where he earned a Purple Heart. He retired from the Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. after 40 years of service. Mike enjoyed people and parties, especially family gatherings. He and Mary enjoyed vacations at the beach for many years with close friends and family. Mike was a great guy, a wonderful husband and a loving dad, grandpa, and great-grandfather. He loved working in the yard, tending his garden, chasing the groundhog, and feeding his birds. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife Mary. They were married August 31, 1946 and renewed their vows in the 65th year of marriage on April 4 of this year with Father David Bline of St. Francis officiating; Sons: Michael A. Oravec (Veronica) and Daniel Oravec (Janis); Grandchildren: Michael J. Oravec, Megan Goyzueta (Edwin), Christin M. Oravec, Emily Milkis (Alan), Mark A. Oravec, Jessica D. Oravec; Great-grandchild: Cecilia R. Goyzueta; Siblings: Sister M. Magdalene of Sisters of Charity, Mary Deasy of Dallas, TX and Dick (Carol) Oravec of Columbus; Brother-in-law, John Perrotta; Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers Joseph Oravec and Frank Oravec. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4-8 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. David Bline on Wednesday, at 10:45 am at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church on Manchester Rd. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Francis de Sales Church 4019 Manchester Rd. Akron, OH 44319.