Michael Vernicek, always on the go
Michael Vernicek, along with his identical twin brother Anthony, was born Sept. 29, 1923, in the coal mining town of McDonald, Pa. on the West Virginia border, to Helen and Joseph, Slovakian immigrants, who had a total of five children - Helen, Joseph, twins Michael and Anthony, (older by a few minutes) and John. He was pre-deceased by his mother Helen; sister Helen Mishook; brothers Joseph, Anthony and John; and his beloved wife Mary.
The family relocated to East Broadway in New York City. Michael's Seward Park High School yearbook picture caption was "His smile is his fortune," a trait he carried all the rest of his days. All four brothers answered the call to duty by their country in World War II. Joseph enlisted in the Marine Corps, Michael and Anthony in the Navy aboard the USS Core, and John in the Seebees. It was in New York City at one of the the local Bohemian halls where polkas were the dance of choice, where he met a local Ukrainian girl, Mary Kudlak, who would later become his beloved wife for nearly 51 years.
They moved to Brooklyn, N.Y. where they raised their two sons, Gregory and James, who attended the local Catholic School of St. Agatha. Michael worked for United Parcel Service for over 30 years, and retired at age 62. They relocated to Staten Island, N.Y. in 1976, where they purchased their first home. Mary and Mike, M&M as they were affectionally known, thoroughly enjoyed their retirement, making daily trips to New Jersey, Atlantic City, Long Island, whether shopping, eating, visiting friends and family. His beloved wife Mary died in 2004.
After his son Greg bought a home in West Fenwick Island, Jim and Michael would enjoy visiting the Delmarva area and all it had to offer. Jim also purchased a home in Delaware. As Michael aged, so did his body and mind. He had two successful hip surgeries at age 85, six months apart. He later developed dementia, requiring a great deal of care. Peter Corallo, (both family and friend) for the last 26 years, AKA known as "Saint Peter" and Michael's third son, helped care give for Michael over the last four years.
Peter brought him back from numerous illnesses and setbacks with his tender loving care and the good graces of our Lord. Michael spent his last years vacationing between his Staten Island home, with Peter in New Jersey and JIm and Greg in Selbyville. As Peter would say to him "you're always on vacation," to which he smiled and replied "always on the go, always on the go."
Michael was called home to the Lord Feb. 19, 2016, after a five-month illness. While his condition worsened, his family had some small degree of comfort knowing where he was going, as he saw "angels" on many occasions at home, in the hospital, and finally at rehab. Jim has a short video of Michael watching the "angels" circling around the ceiling in the parlor in Jeff's home in Milton. As Michael said many times "Angels sing in heaven" Yes they do!
Here are some keepsake words from Michael: When leaving the house, always ask yourself: "Keys, wallet, cell phone?" "You're lookin' good," makes for a very nice greeting! Also, "Keep smiling," and "Have a nice day," can make you and the recipient feel terrific! And after 92 years, Michael always shared, "Take it one day at a time!" Finally, and when it came to dessert, Michael always said,"There's always room for dessert; ice cream goes down easy!"
Truly, Michael Vernicek was blessing and more blessing. Alleluia and Amen!
A celebration of Michael Vernicek's life will be held at Metropolitan Community Church, 19369 Plantation Road, Rehoboth Beach, Saturday, April 16, at 4 p.m. A repast-potluck will follow.
Donations in Michael's memory can be made to Metropolitan Community Church, P.O. Box 191, Rehoboth beach DE, 19971.
