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MICHAEL DEMCHAK

Michael J. Demchak, 83, of Wheeling, W.Va., died Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at Liza’s Place.

He was born June 2, 1935, in Mt. Carmel, Pa., son of the late Michael and Mary Feltovich Demchak.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mildred Soos Demchak; twin daughters, Julia (Carl) Bickler of Lewis Center, Ohio and Roberta (Tony) Chops of Westerville, Ohio; four grandchildren: Luke Chops, Matthew Chops, Daniel Chops, and Alyssa Bickler; one sister, Marianne Hornyak of Burnham, Pa.; and two nieces.

Michael was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Wheeling and a U.S. Navy Veteran. He served as a radioman on a submarine for the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958. He was a proud graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English. Michael loved to read and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Michael grew up in Scouting, achieving the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He was awarded the Boy Scout Honor Medal for his heroism after he saved a drowning boy during a picnic. He was a safety-minded man who also served as a volunteer Fireman for the Markle Fire Department in Apollo, Pa.

Michael held various positions working at Mercy Hospital, Alcoa Corporation, U.S. Steel, Apeco, and the Warner-Lambert Company. He left the corporate world for a couple years and worked as a coal miner at the North American Coal Corporation to learn what life was like for his father. The experience led him into the mining industry for the remainder of his career. He became a salesman with National Mine Service Company where he sold the first Draeger self rescuer for coal miners in the U.S. After 15 years at NMS, he joined the R.M. Wilson Company where he continued to sell mining supplies. While at R.M. Wilson, he was most proud of the ergonomic padded seats he developed for shuttle cars in the coal mines. Throughout his almost 30-year mining career, Michael was an active member of the National Mine Rescue Association serving in a variety of roles, including past president.

At Michael’s request, there will be no visitation.

The family would like to extend its gratitude and deepest appreciation to the staff at Wheeling Dialysis Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to Valley Hospice or the American Kidney Fund through www.tmcfunding.com

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com.