Michael Kolesar of Girard, Ohio, formerly of Greenville, a recent patient at Hospice House, Boardman, Ohio, went away to be with his Lord and Savior at 9:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2015. He was 98. He was born Feb. 5, 1916, in Monessen, Pa., one of three children born to John and Ann Churlik Kolesar. Michael was orphaned at the age of two, when he lost both his parents to the influenza epidemic of 1918. He was raised by his mother's brother, Andrew Churlik, and his wife, Mary. He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Greenville. A lifelong area resident, he graduated from Farrell High School, where he was an excellent student. Following high school, he gained employment with the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant. He married his sweetheart, the former Betty Kmetz, and was soon off to serve with the Army in 1940. A decorated veteran of World War II, he was awarded the Purple Heart and served as an Army medic, reaching the rank of captain. Michael trained many newly arriving doctors and nurses who would be needed in the liberation of France. After returning home from war, he studied at both Thiel College and the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees. He then began working in Greenville Area School District as a history and economics teacher, retiring in 1980. An excellent gymnast throughout his life, he was a member of Sokol USA (Slovak Gymnastic Union), Farrell. He traveled to Czechoslovakia, until the age of 80, to train young, aspiring gymnasts. Michael will be remembered as a devoted husband and father who remained faithful to his church and active within the church well into his 90s. He lovingly cared for his wife, the former Betty Kmetz, for many years before her passing in 1987. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Lynn Kolesar Scott, Meadville; five grandchildren, Lori Scott Minniti, with whom he made his home; and Brandon Scott, Kelli Scott (Jason) Ball, Jacob (Katie) Scott and Kerri Scott; 11 grandchildren, Joshua, Alexa, Mitchell, Nicholas and Raymond Minniti III; Jillian, Kendall, Kelle and Aiden Ball; and Cru and Colt Scott. He also is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Alan Kolesar; and two sisters, Marie and Ann. His family would like to thank his caregivers, including his nurses, Tiffany Adams, Mary Bacon and Tiffany Siddens. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Penn Avenue and Clinton Street, Greenville, PA 16125. Calling hours: None. Services and internment: Prior to burial, a committal service will be at 2 p.m. Friday (1-16-15) in Holy Trinity Cemetery Chapel, Mercer Avenue, Hermitage, with full military honors provided by the Honor Guard from Wheatland American Legion Post 432, Farrell VFW Post 5286 and West Middlesex VFW Post 6233. Arrangements by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.