Obituary of Michael Zdipko

Michael J. Zdipko, 89, of Coal Street, Nanticoke passed away Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital following  period of failing health.

Born at home on Nicholson Street, Wilkes-Barre Township June 28, 1930, he was a son of the late Michael and Anna Chopko Zdipko.   He attended St. Mary’s Byzantine School, North Wilkes-Barre and James M. Coughlin High School. 

A veteran of the Korean War, Michael served with the U.S. Army’s Company C, 526^th Armored Infantry Battalion.  He received the Purple Heart for wounds received in action on May 30, 1953.  He also received the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal with a bronze service star as well as United Nations and National Defense Service Medals.

Mike resided in Wilkes-Barre until his marriage to the former, Mary Lou (Babe) Davis on August 6, 1977.

He was employed at Muskin Pool Company, Plains for over 20 years, retiring in 1999 and previously worked at Frebaum’s Textile Mill in Ashley.

He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ and American Legion Post # 350, Nanticoke.  Mike was an avid sports fan of the Phillies, Eagles and Penn State and was very devoted to his wife and family.  He was especially proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The last member of his immediate family, he was preceded in death by sisters, Sarah, Florence, Mary and Theresa, and brothers, John, Thomas and Joseph.

Surviving is his wife of  42 years, Mary Lou (Babe); daughter, Beth McCagh and husband,Frank of Southwest Ranches, FL; son, William J. Thomas Sr. and companion Chris Kozak, and daughter, Julie Thomas and companion John Rosick, both of Nanticoke; grandchildren, John McCagh  and wife, Auna, Megan Indeglia and husband, Paul, William J. Thomas Jr., Nicole Fortuna, and Thomas Fortuna and companion, Katie Bennett; great grandchildren, Nicholas and Anthony Indeglia and Wyatt Fortuna; a sister-in-law, Cora Zdipko of Ashley and several nieces and nephews.

  Services will begin 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 20^th from Davis-Dinelli Funeral Home, 170 E. Broad Street, Nanticoke with funeral service at 10:30 at Zion United Church of Christ, 40 W. Main Street, Nanticoke. The Rev. Barry M. Lohman, his pastor, will officiate.

 Interment with military honors will follow in Edge Hill Cemetery, West Nanticoke.

A viewing and period of visitation will be Monday, August 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. at  the funeral home.