Michael Beresh, age 98, of Donora, PA, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2015, at Thorpe's New Dawn Personal Care in N. Charleroi, PA.

He was born September 2, 1917 in Donora, PA the son of the late Josef and Anna (Borsch) Beresh.

Michael was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Donora, the Donora American Legion Ernest Jobes Post #212, the American Croaition Club in Donora and the St. Dominics Mens Club.


Michael served with the U. S. Army 3rd Calvary Division, in the machine gun troop from 1937 thru 1940. During this time he was one of the first guards of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. During World War II He served in the U.S. Navy as a member of an Armed Guard Crew on the SS John Cropper. He received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with one bronze star and the World War II Victory Medal.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Velma Kerkan Beresh on January 29, 2011; two sisters, Mary Learn and Margaret Bercik; and four brothers, Nicholas, John, Joseph, and Rafael Beresh.

Survivors include his two sons, Michael (Marsha) Beresh of Donora and Paul (Carole) Beresh of VA; two grandchildren, Michael (Heather) Beresh of Donora and Mark (Jenn) Beresh of MO; two great grandchildren, Hannah and Caitlin; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Beresh of Donora; also several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are being handled by Anthony L. Massafra Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 40 Second Street Extension, Donora, PA 15033 (724) 379-6900 www.massafrafuneralhome.com where the family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday, September 21, 2015. Prayers will be recited in the funeral home on Tuesday September 22 at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Valley Church at 10:00 AM with Rev. Fr. Pierre M Falkenhan as celebrant.

Interment will follow at St. Dominic Cemetery, Donora, PA