Michael Wasilko

Michael R. Wasilko Sr., formerly of Butler, passed away peacefully Saturday after a courageous battle with cancer.

Michael attended Butler schools and joined the U.S. Navy, serving on the submarine USS Carbonero, in Hawaii. He moved to Bradenton, Fla., in 1969.

Michael was employed for many years as an assistant manager for Blasers Nursery and as an assistant manager for the Manatee County Tourist Information Center in Florida.

Michael was a devoted Byzantine Catholic and attended the St. John's Byzantine Catholic Church in Lyndora, where he married his wife, Jane, and where his children were baptized and confirmed.

Surviving are his former wife of 42 years, Jane Wasilko; their four children in Florida, Anne Catherine Bean, Michelle Gossett, Dorothy Mathis and Michael Jr.; and eight cherished grandchildren.

<B>WASILKO</B> — A memorial Mass for Michael R. Wasilko Sr., who passed away Saturday, March 3, 2012, was held Wednesday in Bradenton.