George Milich, Sr.

George Milich, Sr., 88, of Butler fell asleep in the Lord peacefully at his home Saturday May 13, 2017.

Born March 14, 1929 in Lyndora, he was a son of the late Rade and Mildred Kosavac Milich.

Employed at ARMCO Steel, where he earned the nickname “Moon”, he became known throughout the Mill for his contagious smile and trademark handshake saying, “Pardon the Iron Grip”. He retired in 1990 with over 45 years of service.

He proudly served in the US Navy during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S Mann and was honorably discharged.

George was a formative member of the Prospect Boys and Girls Club. He was known as “Papa Bear” to a generation of Prospect boys, while coach of the Prospect Cubs. He served as former President of the club and was instrumental in securing the property on which it currently resides.

He was devout and strong in his faith. A lifetime member of St. Andrew Orthodox Church in Lyndora, he selflessly served the church in a variety of duties including church council President. Pierogi season would often find him in the church basement peeling potatoes or covered in flour “Rolling in the dough”.

A member of American Legion Post #778 in Lyndora, he served as Post Commander and oversaw the construction of and relocation to the Post's new facility on Kohler Avenue.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing and trapping throughout his life. In his first attempt at archery at the age of 85, he bagged a deer on his first shot. He particularly enjoyed raising and training beagles, and those who spent a day hunting rabbits with him always had a story to tell.

Devoted to his family, George and wife Bonnie played host to many nieces and nephews before having children of their own. It was a sought after treat to spend time at the log cabin with “Uncle Dood”.

More than anything else he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a boisterous and highly competitive game of cards, a school activity or impromptu talent contest; nothing gave him greater pleasure.

Surviving is his wife Bonnie Hackett Milich, whom he married October 18, 1958..

4 sons: Rade (Janet) Milich of West Sunbury, Daniel (Roni) Milich of Cranberry Twp., George (Barbara) Milich of Portersville and William (Rebecca) Milich of Butler.

9 grandchildren: Brittainy, Joshua, Rob, Devin, Nicholas, Danielle, Molly, Jillian and Jackson.

3 great grandchildren: Maddox, Brielle and Cade.

3 sisters: Stella DeLess, Lillian Reott and Dorothy Hays.

Numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 4 brothers, 4 sisters, 3 cousins and a grandson, Zachary.

Friends will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham St. Butler, PA 16001 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm Tuesday. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday from St. Andrew Orthodox Church, 201 Penn Ave, Lyndora, with Rev. Keith Lowe to officiate. Interment will follow at Butler County Memorial Park.

A Panachida service will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place Memphis TN 38105 or in support of local veterans groups.

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