Final Salute

MIHALIK – Robert F. “Bob”, 92, passed away in his sleep early Tuesday morning, May 16, 2023. Born May 24, 1930, son of Stephen and Margaret (Bartko) Mihalik. Preceded in death by parents; beloved wife Martha (Mindala) Mihalik; in-laws Michael and Helen (Bartko) Mindala; and brothers Steve, John (“Jano”), Gustave, Coleman, Frank, and Edward Mihalik. Survived by daughter Donna Mihalik and son-in-law John Hurley (Rochester, NY); son Mark Mihalik (Johnstown); and grandsons Alec Hurley (Cardiff, UK) and Ethan Hurley (Pittsburgh, PA); sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews; and the large Hurley clan. US Army (1950-1953) Korean War veteran, recipient of two Purple Hearts. Member of US Navy Reserve Seabees (1972-1992). Lifetime member of American Legion Post 849 and VFW Post 155; past ritual team member of Catholic War Veterans; and local, regional, and state officer for various veterans’ groups. Member of St. Benedict’s Parish since 1960, with decades-long service as usher and Knights of Columbus member. Volunteer at St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen for more than 30 years. Retired welder, Bethlehem Steel Freight Car division; in retirement, drove tractor trailers for Thiele Manufacturing (Windber) and cars for a local rental car company. He lived a life of community service, loved puttering around his yard and cutting grass into his 90s, enjoyed construction, carpentry, plumbing, electrical and masonry, and was an avid bingo player. The family extends their warm gratitude to his friends and caregivers for the past two years at McCullough Place, who found creative ways to keep him active. Friends will be received from 10 am-12:30 pm on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home inc., 710 Broad Street, Cambria City. Funeral Mass at 1 pm, St. Benedict’s, Geistown, Rev. David S. Peles, pastor, presiding. Committal service with presentation by his cherished VFW Post 155 Ritual Team, at adjacent St. Joseph’s Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Johnstown SVDP Soup Kitchen, https://svdpcares.org/donate/, in memory of Robert “Bob” Mihalik.