Batavia - Mr. Robert G. (Poncho) Michalak, 66, of Batavia, the retired owner of Paint Decor, died Wednesday (November 17, 2010) at the Highland Health System, surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Michalak was born December 26, 1943 in Batavia, a son of the late Anthony and Irene Dymczak Michalak who survives and lives in LeRoy.
He graduated from Oakfield-Alabama High School and Bryant & Stratton Business Institue and was a member of St. Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecelia’s Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and especially treasured his family vacations.
A veteran of the Vietnam War he served as a Platoon Sergeant with the 4th Infantry Division of the US Army.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan M. Berg Michalak; three daughters, Amy (Calvin) Nichols and Becky Michalak, both of Batavia and Sarah (Jeffrey) Zimmer of Williamsville; two brothers Anthony (Peggy) Michalak of Oakfield and John (Patti) Michalak of Batavia. He was the grandfather of Jake and Cali Nichols, Ethan Biscaro and Jack and Drew Zimmer; the brother-in-law of Jack Bishop of Texas, Tony (Shirley) Fasano of Batavia and Vernon (Donna) Berg of Indiana. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister Dorothy Bishop and infant twin sons.
Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be10:00 AM, Saturday at St. Cecilia's Church, 56 Maple Ave., Oakfield. Burial with military honors will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. Memorials may be made to Highland Hospital ICU, PO Box 63, Rochester, NY 14620, The VA of WNY, Attn: Paul Harrigan, Phd., 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020 or the family.
