Michael John Soroka, formerly of Coatesville

Michael John Soroka died of heart failure on March 4th at the age of 96 with daughter Jan Beall at his side.

Michael was born in Coatesville, PA to Peter and Anna Soroka on May 28, 1921.

After Pearl Harbor, Michael volunteered for the United States Navy. He was assigned to the destroyer USS Niblack. Michael’s initial assignment as a spotter in the crows nest was quickly changed to Baker when the Captain discovered his prewar talents acquired while working in a Polish bakery after school. During battle stations his combat position was in the number one turret.

While on board the USS Niblack, this destroyer provided convoy escort duty in the North Atlantic and earned five battle stars in the Mediterranean. The Niblack fought in the invasion of North Africa, the battles for Syracuse and Gela in Sicily, the invasion of Angio where the Niblack destroyed numerous German tanks attempting to repulse the invasion, the invasion of Southern France and battles at St. Elmo and St Madria where the Niblack helped destroy massive railroad guns. In total the Niblack sank three submarines and shot down five enemy planes and rescued crews from British and American vessels sunk by German Submarines. Michael was a Chief Petty Officer and was attending Chief Commissary School when the war ended.

Michael is survived by his daughter Janet Beall and her husband John, their two children Sarah and Susan and two great grandchildren David and Avery. He was predeceased by wife Helen and daughter Beverly.

There will be visitation beginning at 5:00 PM and a Vigil service beginning at 7:00 PM at Klein Funeral Home at 16131 Champion Forest Drive, Spring, TX 77379 on Wednesday, March 21st. Services will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, March 22nd at Christ the Good Shepherd, 18511 Klein Church Road, Spring, TX 77379 with interment to follow at the Houston Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to TOMAGWA Health Care Ministries, 455 School Street, Tomball, Texas 77375.

Arrangements by www. kleinfh.com