1923
Michael
2015
Michael J. Puhala
January 12, 1923 — November 2, 2015
Struthers - Michael J. Puhala, 92, died Monday afternoon, November 2, 2015 at his home, surrounded by family.
Mr. Puhala was born January 12, 1923 in Cleveland, a son of Michael and Helen Kalay Puhala. As a child, he came to Youngstown and was raised in Smokey Hollow. He moved to Boardman upon his marriage to his first wife of over 50 years, the former Josephine Bogdan, and resided there most of his adult life.
Mr. Puhala worked at Western Union and Automatic Sprinkler prior to taking a position with General Motors in Lordstown. He worked as a repairman for many years with the company, retiring in 1991, and was a member of the General Motors Union UAW 1112.
Mr. Puhala was a proud United States Army veteran. He served during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Private First Class.
He was a former member of St. Cyril and Methodius Church and a current member of Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, and its Altar & Rosary Society and Infant of Jesus Prague Guild.
Mr. Puhala married his second wife, the former Agnes Belcik, on November 15, 2003, and they made their home together in Struthers. Mike adored Aggie and loved spending time with her and spoiling her every opportunity he got. They enjoyed their companionship and many outings to Mountaineer and Hollywood Casino together. In his younger years, Mike enjoyed fishing and dancing.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Josephine, in 1998. Michael is survived by his second wife, Agnes; three sons, Michael J. (Elke) Puhala Jr. of New Jersey, Joseph (Nancy) Mayor of North Jackson, and James (Renny) Mayor of Struthers; daughter, Agnes (Ed) Moran of Dalton; two sisters, Marge Harris of Youngstown and Helen Martinko of Poland; son-in-law, Jerry Gratz of Poland; eight grandchildren, Michelle, Jerry, and James Gratz, James, Stephanie, and Sarah Mayor, and Jered and Trevor Moran; and one great-grandchild, Jaxon Gratz.
In addition to his first wife and parents, Michael was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Helen Gratz; three sisters, Marian Puhala, Anna O'Neil, and Josephine Puhala; an infant brother, Joey Puhala; and one grandchild, Kathleen Gratz.
A prayer service will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring St., Struthers, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church with Father Bob Bonnot officiating. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the prayer service at the funeral home.
Agnes would like to express her appreciation and thank the staff of All Caring Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Michael. Memorial contributions can be made in Mr. Puhala's name to All Caring Hospice, 6715 Tippecanoe Rd., Ste. B101, Canfield, Ohio 44406.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.
Mr. Puhala was born January 12, 1923 in Cleveland, a son of Michael and Helen Kalay Puhala. As a child, he came to Youngstown and was raised in Smokey Hollow. He moved to Boardman upon his marriage to his first wife of over 50 years, the former Josephine Bogdan, and resided there most of his adult life.
Mr. Puhala worked at Western Union and Automatic Sprinkler prior to taking a position with General Motors in Lordstown. He worked as a repairman for many years with the company, retiring in 1991, and was a member of the General Motors Union UAW 1112.
Mr. Puhala was a proud United States Army veteran. He served during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Private First Class.
He was a former member of St. Cyril and Methodius Church and a current member of Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, and its Altar & Rosary Society and Infant of Jesus Prague Guild.
Mr. Puhala married his second wife, the former Agnes Belcik, on November 15, 2003, and they made their home together in Struthers. Mike adored Aggie and loved spending time with her and spoiling her every opportunity he got. They enjoyed their companionship and many outings to Mountaineer and Hollywood Casino together. In his younger years, Mike enjoyed fishing and dancing.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Josephine, in 1998. Michael is survived by his second wife, Agnes; three sons, Michael J. (Elke) Puhala Jr. of New Jersey, Joseph (Nancy) Mayor of North Jackson, and James (Renny) Mayor of Struthers; daughter, Agnes (Ed) Moran of Dalton; two sisters, Marge Harris of Youngstown and Helen Martinko of Poland; son-in-law, Jerry Gratz of Poland; eight grandchildren, Michelle, Jerry, and James Gratz, James, Stephanie, and Sarah Mayor, and Jered and Trevor Moran; and one great-grandchild, Jaxon Gratz.
In addition to his first wife and parents, Michael was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Helen Gratz; three sisters, Marian Puhala, Anna O'Neil, and Josephine Puhala; an infant brother, Joey Puhala; and one grandchild, Kathleen Gratz.
A prayer service will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring St., Struthers, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church with Father Bob Bonnot officiating. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the prayer service at the funeral home.
Agnes would like to express her appreciation and thank the staff of All Caring Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Michael. Memorial contributions can be made in Mr. Puhala's name to All Caring Hospice, 6715 Tippecanoe Rd., Ste. B101, Canfield, Ohio 44406.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.
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