The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Michael Demich
LORAIN – Michael Demich, age 93, of Lorain, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at his home and is finally reunited with the love of his life, his wife Julia.
Born on September 21, 1921 in Lorain to the late Steve and Mary (nee Hrapel), he resided in Lorain his entire life. He attended Clearview Schools.
Michael served in the US Air Army during World War II. He was awarded the prestigious Purple Heart, along with several other medals including the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, and World War II Victory Medal. In September, 2010, all of Michael’s medals were stolen from his home. A tribute was held to honor his service in WWII, and he also has his stone at Veterans Memorial Park in Amherst. Sen. Sherrod Brown visited him in December and presented him with an entire new set of medals.
For 42 1⁄2 years, he worked at US Steel as a machine operator, retiring in 1981.
Devoted to his faith, he was a member of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church, Lorain and also St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Lorain.
Michael enjoyed gardening, playing the harmonica, and listening to Big Band music.
He was family oriented and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Having learned to cook while in the service, he spent much time cooking big Saturday morning breakfasts and Sunday dinners .
He especially enjoyed the traditional holiday get togethers and making nut rolls at his daughter’s home.
The Demich family is a very close knit family and it was a true blessing to have Michael as their father and grandfather.
He is survived by his sons, Greg (Renee), of Amherst, and Ray (Irene) of Lorain; his daughters, Linda (Randy) Harrell, and Cheryl (Bob “Schlitzy”) Litz, both of Lorain; 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Julia (nee Zapotochny) and his brothers and sisters.
The family will receive friends on Friday, November 7th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the Dovin and reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Rd., Amherst, where closing prayers will be held on Saturday, November 8th at 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church, 2143 Homewood Dr., Lorain. Rev. Fr. John Retar, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. Full military honors will be conducted by the Amherst Veteran’s Honor Guard.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www. dovinreberjones.com