Bernard LeLand “Bernie” Michael, 87, a well-known, lifelong Fairview resident, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon, April 23, 2025 at his residence.
Bernard was born at home in Fairview on January 24, 1938. He was the son of the late Relton and Gertrude McGinnis Michael. He was a 1956 graduate of Fairview Township Karns City High School. Bernard was a proud United States Army Veteran and had served with the 82nd Air borne headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Bernie had a strong work ethic and retired from Witco in Petrolia following many years of service. Bernie enjoyed gardening, mowing and caring for the outside of his home, woodworking, and origami, but his greatest joy was the company of his family. Bernie looked forward frequenting the area restaurants with his wife Peg and most especially the fellowship of breakfast at the Centurion every morning.
Bernard is survived by his loving wife Peggy L. Rottman Michael whom he married at the Fairview United Presbyterian Church on June 6, 1957. The couple had not been apart since. Also surviving are his children: David J. “Jeff” Michael and his wife Jami, Dennis W. Michael and his wife Barbara, Charlene Kepple and her husband Bill, and LeEtta Swigart and her husband Harley. His grandchildren: Billie Jo Nagel, and her husband Chad, Joshua Michael, Angela Michael, Brian Michael, Ashley Ciafre and her husband Derec, Laura Blazejewski and her husband Brian, Wesley Kepple, and Chanc Swigart; his great grandchildren: Troy and Zac Nagel, Lane and Hope Michael, Annie, Jana, and Cara LaMarche, LeLynn Swigart, Mila, Finley, and Mateo Ciafre. Also surviving is a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a brother in law.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Esther Long, Roy, Dewitt, Dean, and Charles Michael and Joyce Snow.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd. Chicora from 1-3pm and 5-7pm Saturday. A funeral service will follow from the funeral home at 7pm with the Rev. Joseph Boomhower, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chicora, officiating. Military honors accorded by the Chicora and Brady’s Bend American Legion posts will be held at 2:45pm. Memorial contributions in Mr. Michael’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org. To send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.