Michael Edward Hirak, 93

January 08, 2015

Michael Edward Hirak, of Lancaster, PA, passed into everlasting life with the Lord at age 93, at his home on Thursday, January 8, 2015, with loving son and devoted care-giver present, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born May 5, 1921 and raised in Wall, PA, he was the son of the late Michal and Elizabeth (Uchnar) Hirak. He was the loving husband of the late Mary Margaret Miso Hirak, to whom he was married 58 yrs on Oct 8, 1949.

Mr. Hirak enlisted in the US Army July 1942 and was deployed to the Pacific Theatre WWII from June 1943 to January 1946. Sgt. Hirak served in the New Guinea and Luzon campaigns and in the occupation of Japan. He received the Asiatic Pacific Theater ribbon with 2 bronze service stars, the Philippine Liberation ribbon with 1 bronze service star, the Good Conduct Meritorious Unit Award, Bronze Arrowhead, and World War II Victory medal.

Tootie attended Franklin & Marshall Academy and graduated from Franklin & Marshal College in 1949 on the GI bill. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. To support his growing family he worked as salesman for UGI and MONY insurance company. He joined the faculty at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and taught chemistry and many other science-related subjects for more than three decades, until he retired at age 70.

Tootie was a faithful member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church where he served as a weekly usher. He was very active in community service. He organized picnics for children and volunteered as a clown entertainer. He was member of Sertoma Club, American Legion Post 34 and VFW of Millersville. He enjoyed woodworking and made more than a few large toys and decorative wood cutouts for his home and family as well as birdfeeders for his backyard wildlife. He was an avid Steelers and Pirates fan. He loved his family and enjoyed playing with his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Surviving are four children: Thomas Hirak of Lancaster, PA, Elizabeth Field, M.D., wife of
Bill Field, PhD., of Iowa City, IA, Michelle Vorwerk, wife of Carl, of Lansdale, PA and Mary
Gerni, wife of David, of Dover, DE; seven grandchildren: Daniel, Katie, David, Carl Jr.,
Heather, Carolyn and Allison; and a great-grandson, Cole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday January 17th at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17603 with Rev. Michael Messner as Celebrant. A viewing will take place from 9:30 – 10:30 at the church. Interment will be at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Bausman. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.