Michael “Ishkie” Eugene Verbonitz, 86, of Boyers passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family at 11:35 p.m. Sunday following a brief illness.

Michael was born May 13, 1928, in Wertz, Blair County. He was the son of Stephen Verbonitz and Francis Mildred Verbonitz Fitzingo, and John Fitzingo, who helped to raise him.

Michael was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He had been employed at Michigan Limestone in Boyers and retired from the Sintering Plant at U.S. Steel in Saxonburg.

He was a member of the Boyers Methodist Church. Michael was a former member of the Moniteau Ceremonial Squad and enjoyed his CB radio.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Mildred J. Hooks Verbonitz, who he married Nov. 2, 1946; three daughters, Ms. Priscilla L. Simmons of West Sunbury, Mrs. Stephanie (James) Wiggins Sr. of Thomasville, Ga., and Mrs. Dawn (Jay) McQueeney of Beaver; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one sister, Mary Francis (Harvey) Texter of Cranberry; one brother, Gary (Donna) Fitzingo of Boyers; numerous nieces and nephews; and his ex-son-in-law, James Simmons, who was of great help to the family.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, who died when Michael was five years of age; his mother; his stepfather; and two sisters, Margaret and Evelyn.

VERBONITZ — A memorial service for Michael “Ishkie” Eugene Verbonitz, who died Sunday, April 19, 2015, will be held later. Private burial was in the Old Annadale Cemetery.At the request of the family, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693 or the National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 E. 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.Arrangements are handled by the William F. Young Funeral Home, West Sunbury.If desired, online condolences may be submitted at www.williamfyoungfh.com.