HUBERT  -  Robert Edgar "Bob" Michel, Jr., 75, of Hubert, died Saturday, December 23, 2023 at his home.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, December 29, 2023 at St Mildred Catholic Church with Rev. Dave Miller officiating. Another Memorial service and burial will be held in Pittsburgh, PA during the summer of 2024.

A boy of Brentwood, PA, just over the Pittsburgh City Line, he remembered days of working with his grandfather, an immigrant bricklayer. The ties that bound many stages of his life was dedication and work. The young parishioner of St. Sylvester's was a loving brother and son.

As a high schooler, he sacrificed the pursuits of his peers for a job after school at the nearby Gulf Station, making extra money for his blended family. His passion for how things worked grew in the automobiles that shuttled in for garage service.

Lasting love sparked for him on Valentine's Day of 1967 as he met TerryAnn Dady while working at The Dog House, a local hot dog restaurant. They rang in the new year of 1969 as newlyweds, months after graduating from high school.

As the call went out to serve his country, he volunteered for the U.S. Army. His service took him to Vietnam and various airbases. He could fix anything from generators to radios and other electronics to engines in jeeps, helicopters, and small planes. When he returned stateside, his career became all about that ingrained desire to fix and make machines work.

A decade that started in the jungles half a world away came to a close back in the Carrick neighborhood of Pittsburgh with a growing family. The role of father to his young son and daughter suited him well. Even as work would pull him away for long days, he fought for moments to teach and to love. Laughter was a tool for him, just like the hundreds of tools for building and repairs in his basement. Never wanting to see someone in pain, he could always pull a joke to lighten even the deepest mood. As for his moods, occasionally they were impacted by his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.

As selfless as a person could be, Bob gave of himself to his family, to God, to his country, and, along with his wife, to children. Hundreds of foster children, many with special needs, found comfort in their home starting in the late eighties. As their own kids became adults, they adopted three more children. Continuing the cycle of service, his guiding light was to care for kids until he no longer could.

A deeply religious man, but he didn't want to be prayed for. He was at peace with what he viewed as God's plan, even when illness took his strength and sharp mind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Michel and Gloria Kenny; a brother, Paul Michel; and two half-siblings, Christine Michel and Thomas Kenny.

Survivors include his wife, TerryAnn Michel of the home; two daughters, Kristin Lane and husband, Brandon of Newport and Bethany Michel of PA; three sons, Robert Michel and his wife, Jennifer of IL, Maurice Michel of NY and Kenneth Michel of PA; three grandchildren, Evan Douglas Lane, Amelia Rose Michel and Jack Robert Michel; one sister, Mary Moorcroft and her husband, Jake of PA; two brothers, Richard Michel and Ronald Michel, both of PA; and his step-mother, Annamarie Michel of PA.

The family will receive friends Friday morning, prior to Mass, from 9:30 until 10:30 AM at the church.