Michael J. Tirpak, 69, a resident of Swoyersville, passed away unexpectedly early Thursday morning, March 01, 2018, at his home.

His loving wife is Emily (Zera) Tirpak. Mike and Emily would have celebrated their 46^th wedding anniversary on April 29^th.

Born on September 20, 1948, in Kingston, Michael was one of three children born to the late George and Nancy (Grizinski-Cosimo) Tirpak.

Raised in Luzerne, Mike was a graduate of the former Luzerne High School, Class of 1966.

A United States Army veteran, Mike honorably served his country for two years during the Vietnam War, and was stationed in Washington DC for the duration of his enlisted service.

Following the death of his father in 1971, Mike took over operation of his family’s business, Tirpak’s Café, formerly located on Kelly Street in Luzerne, operating the café until its closing in 1982.

Prior to his retirement, Mike was employed as a landscaping foreman for Kalinosky Landscaping, Wyoming. In his earlier years he was employed in the same capacity for Varsity Landscaping, Swoyersville, and the former Horizon Landscaping, Exeter.

Some of Mike’s favorite things to do in life were landscaping around his home, tending to his flower gardens, caring for the fish in his pond, and decorating his home for his favorite holiday, Christmas. He also had a passion for traveling and loved going on cruises.

Mike will be best remembered for the great love and devotion he had for his wife, children, and grandchildren. His family was the center of his life, and his presence will be missed beyond measure.

In addition to his parents, George and Nancy Tirpak, Mike was preceded in death by his dear family member, John Bolin; and his faithful companions, his dogs, Mandy, Sugar, Linus, Mikey and Max.

In addition to his wife, Emily Tirpak, Mike is survived by his three children, Mark Tirpak and his wife, Jeannine, Hanover; Nicole Tirpak, Swoyersville; and Danielle Tirpak and her companion, Biagio Scotto, Wyoming; his two grandsons, Nathaniel “Nate” Tirpak and Aaron Tirpak; his brother, George Tirpak and his wife, Linda, Shavertown; his sister, Karen Appel and her husband, Jack, Dallas; his dear friend, Timmy Lawrence, West Pittston; as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend an Office of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Sunday, March 04, 2018, at 5:30 PM at the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, with the Reverend Gary Mensinger, Pastor of Saint Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church, Swoyersville, officiating.

Family and Friends are invited to Mike’s viewing which will be held on Sunday, from 3:00 to 5:30 PM, at the funeral home.

Private Interment will be in Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

For additional information or to send Mike’s family an online message of condolence you may visit the funeral home’s web-site, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

The family has kindly asked that flowers be omitted. Memorial Contributions may be made in Mike’s memory to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18702.