Michael Whitco, Jr.

Michael Whitco, Jr., 93, of Pompano Beach, Florida, died Sunday, December 2, 2012, at John Knox Hospice By The Sea, Pompano Beach, Fla. He was born on February 20, 1919, in Cresson, PA, son of the late Michael Whitco, Sr. and Barbara Matzko Whitco. Formerly of Washington, he retired in 1972 and relocated to the Pompano Beach, Florida area. While living in Washington, he was a member of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church in Canonsburg, and until his passing, he was a member of Our Lady of the Sign Byzantine Catholic Church in Coconut Creek, FL. Mr. Whitco enjoyed gardening, especially growing tomatoes and other vegetables, which he gave to neighbors and friends. He was a very creative person and should have patented some of the neat gadgets he developed. He also enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends. Mr. Whitco was employed by Consol Coal Company and was a member of United Mine Workers Union. He worked 37 years in mining industry, performing various jobs over his career. His last job title was master mechanic at Lyon Portal Mine, which he held until his retirement. Mr. Whitco was a WWII Veteran and served in Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland Ardennes Theater. He was also awarded two Purple Hearts with 1 oak leaf cluster, 4 Bronze Stars and served in the medical field until he was honorably discharged. Deceased are his wife, Mary Orlosky Whitco, who preceded him in death in February 2010, and a son, James R. Whitco, who died in September 1985. He is survived by son Michael (Rose) Whitco of Moncks Corner, SC, granddaughters, Pamela Whitco and Michelle (Natalie) Whitco, and great grandson Michael Stone. Mr. Whitco’s brothers and sisters have all preceded him in death. They include John Whitco, Andrew Whitco, Ann Kosarik, Elizabeth Kendlick, Helen Andrews and Margaret Brezinski. Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 8th, in Saint Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 166 East College Street, Canonsburg, with Father Joseph Jugan as celebrant. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. A Panachida Service will be held Friday at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to John Knox Hospice by the Sea, 830 Lakeside Circle, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060.