George S. Michalak, 83

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George S. Michalak, 83Shrewsbury – George S. Michalak, a lifelong Shrewsbury resident, died Monday, Dec.10, 2012 in UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester. George was 83.

George was born in Shrewsbury on Jan. 14, 1929, one of 13 children to the late Charles and Maryann (Kolodziejczak) Michalak.

He leaves his beloved wife, Barbara A. (Heron) Michalak, whom he married Oct. 13, 1953, recently celebrating their 59th wedding anniversary. They lived in Shrewsbury all their lives.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, he leaves his two cherished daughters, Susan M. Duquette and her husband John of Northborough and Diane L. Michalak of Shrewsbury; his six loving grandchildren, Michael G. Michalak, John Duquette and his wife Lorena both of Shrewsbury, Jamie Duquette, Joseph Duquette and his wife Melissa, both of Worcester, Jeffrey Duquette and his wife Lindsay of Shrewsbury, and Juliann Duquette of Northborough; his four beautiful great-grandchildren, Florencia, Nicole, Camdyn and Dillon Duquette, all of Shrewsbury; his wonderful siblings, Edward Michalak and his wife Lucy of Shrewsbury, Helen Johnson and her husband Bennett of Worcester, and Irene Gregarczyk and her husband Ted of Shrewsbury; and many nephews, nieces, and special friends. He is predeceased by his siblings, John, Peter, Walter, Alfred, Henry, Robert Michalak, Theresa Luks, Regina Cleveland and Catherine Granger.

George was raised and educated in Shrewsbury. He honorably served his country in the United States during the Korean Conflict. He worked as a machinist at Morgan Construction Company for 37 years, retiring in 1990.

George was a devote Christian and lifelong member of Saint Anne's Church, where he served as usher and collector for many years. He was an active member of the Froshinn Club in Shrewsbury and was the chairman of the Scholarship Committee for many years and also served on the Board of Trustees.

He loved the social aspect of its membership and the many dances he and Barbara had on its dance floor. He was very creative and good with his hands. George fixed televisions as a hobby for many family and friends.

With a wonderful imagination, he made many creative and interesting inventions, including his own golf clubs with weighted metal he inserted in the head of each club. And, boy, could he hit those clubs. He’d laughed and it's often retold that had he patented this invention that is now used in everyday golf clubs perhaps life would have been a little different.

He also loved to fish with his many grandsons. One of his favorite places was Dowses Beach in Osterville, especially watching the sunsets, fishing off its pier or walking the beach. He also loved to walk around Jordan Pond in Shrewsbury, reminiscing his adventurous childhood days. George also enjoyed watching the birds at his feeders. He loved life and will be very much missed.

Family and friends will honor and remember George's life by gathering for calling hours Sunday, Dec. 16, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, and again at 9 a.m. on Monday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

Honor George's memory with a contribution to Why Me & Sherry's House, 1152 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA 01602.

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