Obituary of Michael Joseph Gmerek

Michael Joseph Gmerek Jr. (Mickey), age 69, of Akron, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2014, surrounded by family and in the arms of his loving wife, listening to one of his favorite songs, "Mustang Sally". He was born in Akron on October 19, 1944 to the late Michael and Rita Gmerek. He graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1964 until 1970. He married Patricia Ann Sepelak on October 27, 1973. He worked for Firestone Tire and Rubber, Consolidated Freightways, and Acme. Mike loved going to the casino, watching the Browns, Buckeyes, Cavs and Indians, dancing at family weddings, riding his Harley, playing golf, singing karaoke, reading to his grandchildren, playing Texas Hold 'Em, and splitting firewood for backyard bonfires. He was a caring husband and father, and cherished his role as "Papa" to his fifteen grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to read them a book, watch them play in their various sporting events, or take them for a tractor ride around the yard. "Polish Flash", as Mike called himself, had a sense of humor like no other. He often made himself laugh so hard that he had to wipe his eyes with his hanky. Mike will be forever loved and remembered by his loving wife of 40 years, Pat; five children John (Amy) Gmerek, Mike (Kim) Gmerek, Jason (Erin) Gmerek, Heather (Matthew) Crockett, and Brad (Melissa) Gmerek, and his fifteen grandchildren Mila, Raina, and Sonia Gmerek; Jake, Maxx, and Addy Gmerek; Ava, Samson, Marlo and Lyra Gmerek; Kayla and Alexa Crockett; and Owen, Luke, and Mason Gmerek; siblings Bill (Monie) Gmerek, Joanie (Dave) Brubach, Marci (Sam) Bisesi, & Bernie (Karen) Gmerek, as well as numerous nieces & nephews. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sisters Rita, Donna, & Betty. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5-8 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, 10:30 am at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church on Manchester Rd. The Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation PO Box 759329 Baltimore, MD 21275-9329 or online at melanoma.org.