On Wednesday, May 04, 2016, Michael Francis Kayrish Sr., 91, a longtime resident of Swoyersville, went to the Lord after a courageous fight with an unexpected illness.  Throughout his illness he was lovingly cared for at home by his wife, children and grandchildren.  

His beloved wife is Rose Marie (Murray) Kayrish. Together, Michael and Rose shared 58 years of marriage.

Born on September 14, 1924, in Larksville, Michael was the son of the late John and Anna (Novitski) Kayrish.

Raised in Larksville, Michael was a graduate of the former Larksville High School, Class of 1943.

A United States Army veteran, Michael honorably served his country for nearly three years during World War II as a Private with the 702^nd Ordinance Light Maintenance Company. He was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theatre Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Following his Military service, Michael took advantage of the GI Bill and went on to attend the Wharton School of Business, Wilkes-Barre and finished his college education at Wilkes College, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.

Michael began his career with the Social Security Administration, working there for several years. He then became an auditor for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue in the sales tax division, working first in the Harrisburg office and later transferring to the Wilkes-Barre office, from where he retired after 32 years of dedicated service.

A faithful and devoted Roman Catholic, Michael was a longtime member of the former Holy Trinity Church, now Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville. He along with his wife participated regularly in church events and spent many hours volunteering at the annual parish festival, most notably at the potato pancake stand. He would also volunteer his time selling carnations on Mother’s Day for the Pro Life Center, Wilkes-Barre.  

Michael was a loyal member of the Knights of Columbus, Assumpta Council 3987, of Luzerne. He was a 4^th Degree Member of the Our Lady of Czestochowa, Assembly 1928, of Luzerne. During his years with the Knights of Columbus, he was active with the “Singing Knights” and served as Treasurer of the Assumpta Council for many years.

In addition to his parents, John and Anna Kayrish, Michael was preceded in death by his brothers, John and Joseph Kayrish; his sister, Mary Kayrish; and his nephew, Andrew Kayrish.

In addition to his wife, Rose,  Michael is survived by his son, Michael Francis Kayrish Jr. and his wife, Bernadette, Swoyersville; his daughters, Mary Decowski and her husband, Gary, Huntington Mills;  Ann Kayrish Cohen and her husband, Jonathan, Chevy Chase, Maryland; Kathryn Sayers and her husband Thomas, Cape Coral, Florida; Rosalie Frankel and her husband, Neil, Pleasant Garden, North Carolina; his eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren; his nephew, John “Sonny” Kayrish, as well as his other nieces and nephews.

Michael will be remembered as a man of faith with a spirited personality who enjoyed a good debate. He was a dedicated public servant, and most importantly a man who loved his wife and family.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at 9:30 AM, from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, his Pastor, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Anthony’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Courtdale, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Monday, May 09, 2016, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

The Knights of Columbus, Assumpta Council 3987, will recite the Rosary on Monday evening at 7:30 PM.

For additional information or to send the Kayrish Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.