Michael Mihalik

Michael Mihalik of Greenport died June 26, shortly after celebrating his 95th birthday.

One of 11 siblings, he was born June 11, 1916, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to John and Susanna Mihalik, immigrants from Austria-Hungary (Slovakia). He served in the U.S. Army Infantry during World War II and received a Silver Star and a Purple Heart for his participation in the Normandy invasion at Utah Beach. After the war, he completed his B.A. degree in economics at Harvard University and his M.B.A. at Columbia University.

While recovering at the Army hospital in Atlantic City, N.J., from wounds received in France, he met Alma Bishop, a social worker with the American Red Cross. They were married in Southampton in 1946, and raised three children in New Providence, N.J.

Mr. Mihalik worked as an auditor in financial services for RCA for 30 years. He retired to Southampton, and then to Greenport.

According to family members, Mr. Mihalik believed in giving back to his community. He was a volunteer with the New Providence rescue squad, led a Cub Scout pack for both of his sons, served as both elder and trustee at the New Providence and Southampton Presbyterian churches, and was an active member of Southold Presbyterian Church. He attended classes at the Center for Creative Retirement at Southampton College and helped establish the Lifetime Learning Program at Peconic Landing in Greenport.

He loved music, family members said, whether singing songs with Cub Scouts, whistling tunes as he worked in the yard or, best of all, dancing with Alma to Big Band music. He loved baseball, cross country skiing in Idaho with his grandchildren and floating on his back in the ocean, but most of all he loved his family, they said, and worked passionately to ensure their security and happiness.

Mr. Mihalik is survived by his wife; his son William; his daughter, Mary Ann; and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Michael, two brothers and eight sisters.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 30, at 10 a.m. at Southold Presbyterian Church. A committal ceremony will take place Monday, Aug. 1, at 3 p.m. at Southampton Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport.

Memorial donations may be made to the Southampton or Southold Presbyterian churches.