John J.T. "Tom" Michaels

Michaels, J.T. (Tom), 85, Portage passed away May 13, 2024 at his daughter's home in Lilly. Born June 18, 1938, in Portage, the son of Francis and Josephine (Skurkey) Michaels. Deceased family members include his parents; wife, Betty (Barno) Michaels; and brother Vincent (Vinnie) and sisters, Regina "Jeannie”, Susan; sister-in-law, Ellen, brother -in-law Willie. Survived by his children, Vincent "Vinnie" (Kim Swanson), Las Vegas; Jeffrey "Jeff" (Cathy Trackim), Reedsville; Lawrence "Larry" (Kim Koban), West Chester; James "Jim" (Karen Gossard), Maple Glen; Greta (John) Hurley, Lilly; and Eugene, Portage. He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Nicholas (Clarissa); Matthew (Kara); Courtney; Aaron (Ericka); Sarah (James); Katie; Jared (Kezia); Jacob; Zachary; Caleb; and Kamryn. Brother of, Emmett, Joan, (George); Leona (Richard); Raymond, Walter, Vivian (Tom); Marian; Richard (Alice); and Charles (Pam); Also survived by brother-in-law, Geoffrey Mazzocco, and numerous nieces and nephews. Special Companion Jean Galus. Thank you to UPMC Hospice Nurses & Aids for all their care & compassion. Tom was the owner/operator as a Truck Driver for B&M Equipment, a former driver then Dispatch manager for Long's Transportation, former Truck Driver for Michaels Feed Mill in Portage, and last employed as a driver for R&L Development Company. Member of Knights of Columbus, Past President of St. Joseph's Football Association, Served on Parish Council for former St. Joseph's Church in Portage, where he was also a lector, and Eucharistic Minister. He was one of the Founding members to broadcast Sunday mass on WWML radio in Portage. President of People Helping People (Former St. Vincent DePaul). Owner/operator of a gas station in Armagh. Former Cub Scout Leader. Member of Portage Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 131, and the Benscreek Club. Tom was also a former stock car driver at Jennerstown Speedway. His favorite color was Blue, and his nickname was "Pickles". He also was the president of PAHS class of 1956. Whether helping family or friends, Tom was a jack of all trades who was always willing to lend a hand and give his time to others. Friends received from 4-8 p.m., Friday, May 17, 2024 at the Serenko-Claar Funeral Home, PC, Portage. His funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Holy Family Parish in Portage. Father Tom Stabile, TOR, Celebrant. Committal will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Portage. Online condolences may be made at serenkoclaarfuneralhome.com. In Lieu Of Flowers: The Family suggests Memorial Contributions be made in JT’s name to People Helping People c/o Holy Family Parish, 509 Caldwell Avenue, Portage, PA  15946.

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