Obituary of Michael J. Pancza

Michael J. Pancza, 94, died on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at his home. Born and raised in Highland Park, Mike entered the United States Army on February 16, 1943, serving during WWII in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged on December 30, 1945 and was bestowed several citations for his courageous service in the 701 Tank Battalion. Michael was extremely proud of serving his country and the medals received as a result of the war. After the military, Michael resided in Plainfield before moving to South Plainfield over 50 years ago. He retired after 35 years as a group leader in the Research & Development Lab for Egan Machinery of Somerville. As a lifetime member of the VFW Memorial Post #6763 of South Plainfield, he served as the Post Chaplain for over 30 years and was a communicant of The Church of the Sacred Heart in South Plainfield, where he served as an Usher at the former 9:30AM Mass. Michael was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jean, and his siblings, Grace David, Irene Pastek, Vera Monus, and Emery Pancza. Surviving are his two daughters, Carol Boley and husband Jerry and Patricia Giordano and husband, Steve, both of South Plainfield, his grandchildren, Dawn, Stephanie, Brian, Victoria, Matthew and his six great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 8:30 to 9:30 AM in the McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals 2425 Plainfield Ave. South Plainfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 10:00AM at The Church of the Sacred Heart, 149 South Plainfield Ave. South Plainfield. Interment will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michael's memory to The Wounded Warriors Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org