Peter Machik

Machik - Peter “Pete”, 91, passed peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, September 26^th at Friends Home, Linden Hall, Kennett Square, PA. Born July 8, 1932, in Johnstown, son of Michael and Mary (Simko) Machik. Preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Evelyn “Evie” nee Grata, infant brother George, brother Steve; brothers-in-law Ted, Larry, and Ray Grata; and special nephews Rick Grata and Dennie Deyarmin. Survived by daughter, Pamela Erney (Stephen); loving granddaughter, Erin Forde (Hugh) and very special Pappy to his three great-grandsons, Luke, Sean, and Paul who will forever be “his boys.” Survived by sisters-in-law, Gloria Grata and Shirley Grata, and sister Mary Lou Gmuca. Also survived by special nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and a special great-great nephew and great-great niece.

Pete entered the U.S. Army six days after his 17^th birthday during the Korean War Era and served from July 14, 1949, until December 8, 1952. He worked at Bethlehem Steel Corporation for over 40 years and was a member of Bethlehem Steel Local Union #2635. After his retirement from Bethlehem, he worked at Enterprise Rent-A-Car as a driver for 22 years. Pete was a member of the Geistown-Richland Lions for many years and in 2008 received the Prestigious Award for Meritorious Support to the Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation. Pete was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time with his friends, especially Jack, hunting for deer. His love of, and for, his family and God was unmatched.  His pride in his great-grandsons was tremendous. In his eyes the sun rose and set on each of them. Pete loved tradition. From holidays spent around the dining room table, to family picnics each summer, and helping to bake dozens of varieties of cookies at Christmas, he soaked in the moments, turning them into lasting memories. Pete was quick to crack a joke, offer a helping hand, and share stories over a cup of coffee and a piece of blueberry pie. Evie was the love of his life, his girl. And now he's home with her once again. Fear not, we will always be careful no matter where we go or what we do, for you. We will love you forever and miss you for always.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, with the Rev. Daryl R. Penrod officiating. Private burial will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with military rites conducted by Menoher Post #155 VFW Ritual Team. The family suggests contributions be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, 600 River Ave Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ in memory of Pete. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.