SUTTON___Mitchell “Mike” Henry Yurkiewicz passed away peacefully with his wife and family at his side at his home in Sutton, MA, on Monday August 10, 2009 at the age of 91. He was born in Worcester on May 5, 1918 a son of Adolph and Josephine (Migdal) Yurkiewicz. Mike leaves his wife, Hedwig “Edna” whom he married on October 18, 1947, and his daughter Nancy Small and her husband, Donald of Sutton. Mike leaves two beloved grandchildren, Kristen Helene and Megan Elizabeth. He was preceded in death by six siblings; his two brothers, Benjamin Jenewin and Edward Yurkiewicz, four sisters, Helen Nelson, Viola Yurkiewicz, Wanda Varnum and Stella Yurkiewicz. He also leaves nine nieces and five nephews.
Mike graduated with the class of 1936 from Worcester Boys Trade High School. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on November 11, 1942 and entered into active service on November 25, 1942. He was discharged as a Staff Sergeant on February 26, 1946.
Mike was the store manager of Cronin’s Package Store in Worcester from 1947 to September 1974. He then joined the U.S. Postal Service where he was a mail handler from September 1974 until he retired on August 2, 1985. Mike was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, Worcester and was also a member of the St. Mary’s Booster Club. He was an active participant of the AARP Bancroft Chapter #2595, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees Worcester County Chapter #0255, the Greendale Retired Men’s Club and the Sutton Historical Society.
The funeral will be held on Monday August 17, from HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward Street, Worcester with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward Street, Worcester. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours in the funeral home are Sunday August 16, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Mike’s family would like to extend their gratitude to his Hospice nurse, Sara Prue, as well as Mike’s “special nurse” Gayle Ann Blomstrom for their support and compassion during this difficult time. Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Care Network Hospice, 120 Thomas St, Worcester, Ma 01608 or to Our Lady of Czestochowa Building Fund, 34 Ward St, Worcester, Ma 01604.