Michael “Mike” Evankovich, 98, of Bradys Bend went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 29, 2021 in the comfort of his home.
Mike was born in Redbank Twp., Clarion County, on November 8, 1922. He was the son of the late John W. and Jennie Vinka Trinastic Evankovich.
He was a 1941 graduate of Fairview Township/Karns City High School and a US Army Veteran of World War II. Mike served from January 27, 1943 to January 1, 1946. He had an 18-month in states assignment and an 18-month deployment in Europe with the 817th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was the head driver of a M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer seeing combat in Wales, Scotland, England, France, Germany and Belgium.
Mike worked at Armco for a year before becoming a miner. He worked for 8 years with the Pittsburgh Limestone Company before moving to National Underground Storage (Iron Mountain) in Boyers where he worked from 1955-1988. Starting out as a security guard, Mike worked his way up to mine foreman. He retired in January of 1988 but because of his knowledge and mine expertise, he continued to be employed as a consultant for the next 18 years.
He was a longtime member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church where he served as an usher and head of the cemetery maintenance committee-a position he was most proud of. He was also a member of the Young at Heart and the Bradys Bend American Legion Post #488.
Mike enjoyed gardening, hunting, Westerns and watching baseball. He loved spending time with his family and his nephews had a special place in his heart. He was a man who loved to work and never hesitated to take on any challenge and help anyone in need.
He is survived by his daughters, Mary Irene Gaiser and her husband James of Bradys Bend and Grace Henry and her husband Dr. Larry of Butler, his five grandchildren, Jennifer Gaiser, Jarrod Gaiser, Beth Ann Jackson and her husband Joseph, Kristen Henry, Christopher Henry, his three great grandchildren, Harlow Gaiser, Joseph Jackson and Grace Jackson and one sister, Phyllis Bayes and her husband Rick of Weaver, AL.
Mike is also survived by two stepchildren, Mike Shumaker and wife Diana of Karns City and Kenneth Shumaker and wife Molly of Florida. Three step grandchildren. Amy (John) Fierst, Christopher Shumaker, Clarissa Shumaker, two step great grandchildren, Lilliana and Alaina Fierst and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary DiGiammarino Evankovich who died December 22, 1982, his second wife, Marie Shumaker Evankovich who died April 7, 2016, his four sisters, Mary Anderson, Margaret Pollock, Edna Zidek, Col. Irene Evankovich and one brother, John Evankovich as well as a number of brothers in law and a sister in law.
Friends of Michael Evankovich will be received from 3:00-7:00 PM Monday, February 1, 2021 at Buechele Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc. 707 Kellys Way, East Brady, PA 16028
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Bradys Bend with Rev. Victor Baguna officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
A mask or appropriate facial covering is required to attend all services. Social distancing guidelines will be followed.
The Evankovich family suggests that memorials be made in Mike’s name to St. Mary’s Cemetery, 915 State Route 68, East Brady, PA 16028.
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