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Michael Mihalik
Michael Mihalik of New Jersey, Southampton and Greenport died on Sunday, June 26. He had just celebrated his 95th birthday.
Born on June 11, 1916, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Mihalik served in the U.S. Army Infantry. He was awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart for his participation in the Normandy invasion at Utah Beach. He returned from the war and completed his Bachelor of Arts in economics at Harvard University and his master’s of business administration at Columbia University. He was hired as an auditor for RCA, where he continued to work for 30 years in financial services.
Mr. Mihalik was one of 11 children born to John and Susanna Mihalik, immigrants from Austria-Hungary (Slovakia). The Mihaliks were respected for their integrity, motivation, and dedication to family, survivors said.
While recuperating at the Army hospital in Atlantic City, from wounds received in action in France, Mr. Mihalik met Alma Bishop who was employed as a social worker with the American Red Cross. They were married in Southampton in 1946 and raised three children in New Providence, New Jersey. He retired to Southampton and more recently, to Greenport.
Mr. Mihalik believed in giving back to his community. Over the years, he volunteered on the New Providence rescue squad, led a Cub Scout pack for both of his sons, and served as an elder and a trustee at the New Providence and Southampton Presbyterian churches and as an active member of the Southold Presbyterian Church. He attended classes at the Center for Creative Retirement at Southampton College and was instrumental in establishing the Lifetime Learning Program at Peconic Landing in Greenport.
He loved music—whether singing songs with Cub Scouts, whistling tunes as he worked in the yard, or dancing to Big Band sounds with his wife. He loved baseball, floating on his back in the ocean, and cross country skiing in Idaho with his grandchildren. Most of all, he loved his family and worked passionately to ensure their security and happiness.
He is survived by his wife, Alma; children, William and his wife Sandra, Mary Ann and her husband Brian; grandchildren, Ariana and Brian Michael; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers and eight sisters; and a son, Michael.
A memorial service honoring Mr. Mihalik will be held at the Southold Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 30, at 10 a.m. A graveside service will take place at Southampton Cemetery on Monday, August 1, at 3 p.m. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Mihalik’s name to Southampton Presbyterian Church, 2 South Main Street, Southampton, NY 11968, or Southold Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 787, Southold, NY 11971.
on Jul 12, 2011