Michael J. Garnack of Sharpsville, passed away peacefully at 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2017, in his residence surrounded by family. He was 71.

Mr. Garnack was born December 13, 1945, in Cleveland, a son of Michael and Dorothy Mildred (Strong) Garnack.  He attended schools in both Sharon and Farrell before ultimately graduating from Sharpsville High School in 1964.

Mike retired in 2004 from the Sharpsville Area School District where he was the maintenance supervisor for 33 years.  He previously worked for the former General American Transportation Corp's (GATX), Masury.

Mike was of the Russian Orthodox faith.

He was a lifetime member of the VFW, Post #6404, where he was the commander for 10 years; and American Legion, Post #162, both Sharpsville. Mike was also a member of the Transfer Sportsman's Club; and the Elks, Lodge #872 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #469, both Ridgway, Pa.

An avid outdoorsman, Mike enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing, particularly while spending time with family at his cabin in Halton, Pa. He had a talent for fixing or rebuilding anything and never hesitated to help a friend with a project.

Mike served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Seoul, South Korea. He served as an M.P. in Bucheon, S.K., and was also a combat photographer.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Linda L. Polonus, whom he married July 16, 1971; two daughters, Kathryn "Katy" Slater and her husband Timothy, Fredonia; and Jessica L. King and her husband Thomas "T.J.", Erie, PA; and two grandchildren, James and Jordan Slater.

Besides his parents, Mike was preceded in death by a brother, David Garnack; and an uncle who was very dear to him, Joseph Strong, Jr.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to VFW,  Post #6404, 215 N Walnut St, Sharpsville, PA 16150; earmarked to help homeless veterans.

Calling hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Friday ( 8-25-17 ) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. , 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday ( 8-26-17 ) in the funeral home, with Rev. Stacie Pitts, chaplain of Sharon Regional Hospice, officiating.

Military honors will be rendered at the cemetery by VFW, Post #7599, Reynolds, Honor Guard.

Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Sharpsville.