Michael Mittiga, 82, of Autumn Grove Health Care, Harrisville, formerly of Lawsonham Road, Rimersburg, passed away Saturday afternoon at the Grove City Medical Center following a period of failing health.

He was born in Hamler, Clarion County, May 14, 1926, and was a son of the late Michael Mittiga and Santa Contanzarita Mittiga.

He was a Catholic, and until being drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, he had completed 11 years of schooling at the Union School District.

He served with the U.S. Army infantry during World War II and was wounded in action near Berlin, Germany, at the Elb River in 1944 and was awarded the Purple Heart.

He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Christina Conner of Rimersburg; and nieces and nephews, Steve Crowley of Oil City, Larry Conner of Rimersburg, James Conner of Butler, Patricia Myers of Rimersburg, Patricia Mittiga of Florida and Tony Spatara of Butler.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Antoinetta "Tona" Silvis on April 17, 2009, Elva Crowley on Dec. 23, 2008, and Mary Mittiga Dunkle and Betty Spatara; and two brothers, Albert Mittiga and Frank Mittiga.

<B>MITTIGA</B> Friends of Michael Mittiga, who died Saturday, April 25, 2009, will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the <B>Richard D. Hillis Funeral Home </B>in Rimersburg. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at the St. Richard's Roman Catholic Church, Purity Avenue, Rimersburg, with the Rev. William M. Kuba as celebrant. Interment will follow in Crestview Memorial Park, Grove City.Military honors will be accorded by members of the Rimersburg VFW and American Legion posts.Online condolences may be sent to www.hillisfuneralhome.com