Michael Emick

Michael D. (Mike) Emick, 63, of Erie, passed away unexpectedly at Saint Vincent Hospital after a brief illness on Father’s Day, June 18th, 2017.  He fought a truly courageous battle over the past six months, but he ultimately succumbed to the multiple physical and neurological attacks on his body.  He continued his fight to the very end so that he could one day return to spending quality time with his wife, children and grandchildren, as the exceptionally proud patriarch of one half of the Emick clan.

Mike was born in Franklin, PA to the late Charles W., Jr. and Patricia A. Emick on July 13th, 1953.  Mike (a.k.a. Hoss) went to Oil City High School and upon graduation, attended Mercyhurst College on a full basketball scholarship.  He was a member of the first men’s basketball team in Mercyhurst College school history.  He graduated with a B.S. in Biology and immediately secured a job at Struthers Wells in Warren, PA.  He followed his lovely bride in a move to Erie, PA in the summer of 1985 and would eventually gain employment at Urick Foundry.  He spent the next 28 years working in various capacities at Urick, retiring this past winter after a dedicated and determined career.  In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, researching history (especially the Battle of Gettysburg), watching westerns (including anything to do with Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, or involving the actor John Wayne), hunting turkeys, fishing, volunteering at Our Neighbor’s Place, and volunteering in youth sports largely through coaching.  He was a member of the Erie County Chapter of P.I.A.A. Basketball Officials for nearly 19 years.  He was a devoted member of St. Luke Roman Catholic Parish.  He, along with his wife Judy, co-chaired the Coffee & Donut Sundays at St. Luke for the past five years, before recently turning over those responsibilities.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Charles W. Emick, Jr. and Patricia A. Whittle.  Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Judith M. Gormont Emick, of Erie, PA.  He is also survived by his four children; including Brian (Lauren) of Erie, PA, Warrant Officer Daniel J. Emick (Tara) of New Bern, NC, Caitlin (Ryan) Smith of Sheridan, MI, and Kevin of Erie, PA.  He is further survived by his brother Mark (Gloria) of New Bloomfield, PA, his lifelong friend Ed (Debbie) Nageli, of Erie, PA, as well as his Aunt Grace (Fritz) Motzer of Bethel Park, PA.  Mike was most proud of his three grandchildren and maintained familial bonds with several cousins, nieces, and nephews.  He will forever be missed by his special friend and cherished dog Annabelle.

Visitation will be held at Burton Wintergreen Funeral Home, 2532 Norcross Road, Erie, PA 16510 on Thursday, June 22nd from 2-5pm and 7-9pm.  Funeral services and a mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church on Friday, June 23rd at 10am, with Father John Malthaner officiating.  Burial will follow at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.  Burton Wintergreen Funeral Home is handling all funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Luke Catholic Church (attn. Care & Concern), 421 E. 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504 or to Our Neighbor’s Place, care of St. John’s Catholic Church, 509 E. 26th Street, Erie, PA 16504.  Condolences may be left in Mike’s online guestbook at www.goerie.com and www.Burtonfuneralhome.com. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all of the people who touched Mike’s life throughout the years, including all of the medical caregivers over the past six months.