William Mihalko

On Friday, January 8, 2016, one day after his 90th birthday, William Mihalko died peacefully at home. He was a member of St. James Church. Bill served in WWII, seeing action  in the Pacific Theater as a tail gunner in the B17bomber, "Gravel Gerty". After the war he earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Miami and worked as a field engineer for cement companies in the mid-west area. He was based in Chicago and Toledo for many years and returned to Johnson City upon retiring. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Michael & Helen Mihalko; and his siblings, Michael, Andrew, John, Mary and Stephen. He is survived by his nephews, William (Janet) Mihalko, John Mihalko, Larry (Patricia) Mihalko and David Mihalko; his great-nieces and nephews, Amy (James) Vignola, James (Maureen) Mihalko, Matthew (Katherine) Mihalko, Adrian Mihalko, Genevieve Mihalko, Katie (Christopher) Therrien, Laura Ann Mihalko, Andrew Mihalko, Dustin Mihalko and Marissa Mihalko. Also surviving are his nine great-great nieces and nephews, Patrick, Meghan, Matthew, Ashley, Ben, Molly, Claire, Teddy, and Luke; and his cousins, John (Barbara) Gondorchin and Frank Gondorchin.  When asked about his war experiences, he told of sitting alone in his gunner's turret at the rear of the huge bomber as it headed for Japan, wondering if he would live to see his 19th birthday. Well, Uncle Bill, not only did you see your 19th, you saw your 90th.  A Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at St. James Church, 155 Main St., Johnson City, NY.  Family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the time of the Mass at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow in Holy Spirit Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations many be made to the St. James Memorial Fund or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Bednarsky Funeral Home, Inc.  

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