Paul Michalegko

Eri, PA - Paul Michalegko, age 97, formerly of Genesee, PA, passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at UPMC Hamot.   He was a resident of St. Mary’s at Asbury Ridge.  Paul was born November 16, 1919 in Betula/Keystone, McKean County, PA.  He was the third child of Demetrius and Anastasia (Holowczak) Michalegko. 

Paul graduated from Tionesta High School where he excelled in basketball and baseball.  Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1940.  While stationed in Rhode Island, the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred.  After being transferred to the West Coast, he was deployed to the South Pacific where he served in World War II, and engaged in battles at Guadalcanal, Bougainville and New Caledonia.  He was honorably discharged with a rank of Sergeant.

Following his discharge, he relocated to Genesee, PA.  In 1948, he married his wife Barbara Costello of Wellsville, NY.  They were married for 58 years at the time of her passing on June 29, 2006.  Paul was retired from the Air Preheater/Combustion Engineering of Wellsville, NY.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Barbara, he is preceded  in death by brothers John, Peter and Charles, and two sisters Anna Cimpritz and Maria Michalegko. 

Paul is survived by seven children, Paula Michalegko (Charles Guagliardi), of Erie, Pamela, of Arlington, VA, Richard (Maria), of Lyndon Station, WI, David, Joseph (Cheryl), Susan (Bob Anderson), and Joan Todd (William), of Erie; eight grandchildren: Adam, Ian, Dino, Nicole, Timothy, Shannon, Kiaran and Alina; and nine great grandchildren: Julian, Vincent, Paulina, Alex, Mikayla, Keegan, Mira, Austin and Kiera. He is further survived by his brother Nicholas and his wife Judy of Safford, AZ. 

Paul was a life member of the Genesee Valley Rod and Gun Club as he enjoyed trout fishing. He was a member of the American Legion.  Paul was an active member of Sacred Heart Church for 65 years, where he served as an usher until the age of 94. 

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks and appreciation to the staff at St. Mary’s at Asbury Ridge, for their unfailing care and concern for Paul.  Special thanks to Kayla, who could always make him smile.

There will be no visitation per Paul’s request.   A funeral mass will be conducted at Sacred Heart Church, Genesee, PA on Saturday, June 24th at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Erie Home for Children and Adults, 226 E. 27th, Erie, PA 16504. Local arrangements are under the direction of the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville.

Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.