Michael Havrilla

Michael Havrilla, 87 of Vermilion, died Saturday, June 23, 2007 at his home after a recent decline in health. He was born November 16, 1919 in Czechoslovakia. He grew up in Lakewood and had lived in Steubenville, Canton and Pennsylvania. He has lived in Vermilion since 1946. Mr. Havrilla was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in WWII. He served as Second Lieutenant in the 174th Field Artillery Battalion in England, Wales, France and Austria. A noted carbine sharpshooter and pistol marksman, he received shrapnel wounds during battle and received a Bronze Star. He was employed as a meat manager for Slutzgers Meat Market in Amherst. He also worked for Bzowey's in Lakewood and Martin's Market in Vermilion. Mr. Havrilla attended Lakewood High School. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Vermilion. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus where he was a 3rd degree deputy Grand Knight. He was a life member of the Vermilion VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post #7576. He was a Vermilion Township Trustee for 40 years. He also belonged to the Tappan Western Square Dance Club in Oberlin, Wam-Bam Square Dance Club in Norwalk and Belden Square Dance Club. He enjoyed bowling and gardening. Survivors include his wife, Helen Lucile Havrilla (nee Vasu); daughter, Helen Lucile Davis of Shreve; son, Michael Wesley Havrilla of Longmont, CO; 1 grandson and 2 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marie Chapley of Rocky River, Ann Dubrovic of Strongsville, Helen Cammuso of Lakewood, and Marge Sopko of Texas; brother, Louis Havrilla of Arizona. Preceding him in death were his parents, George and Anna (nee Kvak) Havrilla and brothers, Thomas and George Havrilla Friends may call from 4-8pm on Sunday, July 1, 2007 at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Closing prayers will be said in the funeral home Monday, July 2, 2007 at 12:30am followed by a 1:00pm Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion. Father Jim Holmer, pastor, will officiate. Entombment will be in Resthaven Memorial Park, Avon. The Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion, Ohio 44089 or to the Humane Society of Erie County, 1911 Superior Street, Sandusky, Ohio.