A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Dec. 17 for Charles Tomich, formerly of Hasenflu Drive, Hermitage. He passed away at 1:55 a.m. Friday (12-10-10) in Nugent Convalescent Home, Hermitage. He was 88.

Mr. Tomich was born June 18, 1922, in Farrell, a son of Krste and Maria Vestich Tomich.

He was a 1940 alumnus of Farrell High School and, like so many from his generation, enlisted in the Army immediately following high school. Chuck served in the European theater during World War II and was honorably discharged in October 1945 at the rank of technician fifth grade.

He returned to the Shenango Valley before leaving for California, where he met his wife, the former Constance McCormack. Following their marriage on Oct. 2, 1948, they returned to the Shenango Valley. They resided in their home of 50 years on Hasenflu Drive in Hermitage, where they raised their four sons; they recently moved to Whispering Oaks, Hermitage.

Chuck retired as a foreman in 1982 from the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant, where he was employed for 34 years. Early in his career, he was active in union politics and was a past vice president of Local 1174 of United Steelworkers union. Following his retirement, he worked as the production manager for Mercer County Training and Workshop in Hermitage for six years.

He was a charter member of Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage. Mr. Tomich was a board member of the former Shenango Valley Osteopathic Hospital, Farrell, and a member of the Sharon Steel Foreman's Club. Additionally, he was the campaign manager in Mercer County for former Pennsylvania Gov. Milton J. Shapp.

Surviving are: his wife of 62 years, Constance, Hermitage; four sons, Charles Tomich and his wife Kathleen, Hudson, Ohio; Kevin Tomich, Moon Township, Allegheny County; Bradley Tomich and his wife Elaine, Granville, Ohio; and Neal Tomich, Columbus, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Brian, Connor and Mark Tomich; Dr. Keith Tomich, Dr. Eric Tomich; and Paul and Allison Tomich; two great-grandchildren, Camryn and Lucy; two sisters, Carolyn Gracenin, Hermitage; and JoAnne Valetich and her husband Carl, Franklin; a brother, Thomas Tomich and his wife Betty, Aurora, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Matthew and John Tomich; and a grandson, Joseph Tomich.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to John XXIII Home, 2250 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours: 10 a.m. to time of service Friday (12-17-10) in St. Rose Cemetery Chapel, Dutch Lane, Hermitage.

Friends may e-mail condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Service: Mass of Christian burial at 11:30 a.m. Friday in the cemetery chapel with the Rev. Jeffery J. Noble, pastor of Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage, as celebrant. Prior to the Mass, military honors will be rendered by the Honor Guard of Veterans of Foreign Wars Hickory Post 6166, Hermitage.

Entombment: St. Rose Cemetery Mausoleum. Arrangements by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.