Oct 5, 2013

Retired coal miner, loved sports

Michael A. “Pikey” Merichko, 81, of Bentleyville and Cokeburg, died Friday, October 4, 2013, in Washington Hospital.

He was born January 25, 1932, in Ellsworth, a son of the late Andrew and Suzanne Matosky Merichko.

Mr. Merichko was a 1950 graduate of Ellsworth High School.

He was a retired underground coal miner, having worked at Bethlehem Mines Corp. Mine 60. He was a member of United Mine Workers of America Local 1197.

Mr. Merichko was a member of the St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church in Richeyville.

He loved sports of all kinds and was a faithful follower of many high school sporting events and was an avid baseball fan that always followed the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Surviving are a brother, Andrew Merichko of Slaton Texas; a sister, Betty “Bunny” Pordash of Cokeburg; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; and his special friend and caregiver, Darlene “Tunie” Error of Cokeburg, with whom he resided.

Friends will be received from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday in Greenlee Funeral Home, 619 Main Street, Bentleyville, where prayers will be said at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, October 8, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, Richeyville, with the Rev. Edward Yuhas, as celebrant. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Greater Washington County Food Bank, 1020 Route 519, Eighty Four, PA 15330-2812. Guestbook and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.