Michael L. Steve Sr.
Michael L. Steve Sr., age 90, of Smithfield, Pa. died unexpectedly on Friday, April 11, 2014.
He was born August 2, 1923 in Smithfield, Pa.
Preceding him in death were his parents, George M. (Stefko) Steve and Susana A. (Koneval) Steve; his wife of 59 years Lucille A. (Kascak) Steve; infant son, Louis Steve; eight sisters and five brothers. He was the last surviving member of his parents’ immediate family.
He was a devoted Catholic and was a life long member of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church in Fairchance, Pa.
Blessed by God with many talents, including music, Michael enjoyed playing the accordion, guitar and harmonica.
He found happiness in being with his family and friends and in quiet times, listening to music, especially Chet Atkins.
Mr. Steve will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
A special person was Mike Steve. He loved life and had a great sense of humor and enjoyed telling stories of places he’d lived and things he had done.
He attended public school in Smithfield and later served his country honorably during World War II as an enlisted man in the United States Navy. In the Navy, Mr. Steve was a Fireman First Class aboard the USS Lamson, a torpedo boat destroyer that was attacked December 7, 1944 by a Japanese kamikaze plane. Mr. Steve sustained multiple injuries in the attack, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.
After his service in the Navy, Mr. Steve moved to Cleveland, Ohio and was employed for a number of years in several occupations.
Later, he and his family moved back to Smithfield. Mr. Steve w a s e m p l o y e d in numerous jobs over the years and was retired from the former Steel Scaffolding Company in Uniontown, Pa.
He bought the family farm from his father.
Mr. Steve was a brilliant man who most enjoyed farming and being with his family and friends.
Michael was a member of the Alfred L. Wilson Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7219 and a social member of The Sons of Italy.
Surviving are his loving family, his ten children: Michael L. Steve Jr. and wife Zlata of Columbus, Ohio, Susan E. Moser and husband Bill of New Cumberland, Pa., George M. Steve and wife Carol of Beallsville, Pa., Lucille A. Pierce and husband David of Ocilla, Georgia, Daniel J. Steve, Long Beach, California, Sophie M. Steve of Powell, Ohio, Sister Mary Elizabeth Steve, C.P., of Pittsburgh, Pa., Anthony M. Steve, Smithfield, Pa., Michele L. Lemunyon and husband Greg of Barnesville, Ohio, and Dianne K. Sutton and husband Bob, Smithfield, Pa.; eighteen grand children; three great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will greet friends and family in the DEAN C. WHITMARSH FUNERAL HOME, 134 West Church Street, Fairchance, Pa., today from 7 to 9 p.m., Monday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday, April 15, until 10:30 a.m. when a Prayer Service will be held.
A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Ss. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church, 50 North Morgantown Street, Fairchance, Pa., concelebrated by Rev. Father Jaime S. Ozoa and Rev. Father Andrew M. Kawecki.
Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery Fairchance, Pa., where Military Rites will be accorded by AMVETS Post 103.
A Vigil Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Monday at 3:30.