michael babinchak, jr.
Michael John Babinchak, Jr., of Weirton, WV passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at the Weirton Medical Center. He was 93. Born in Weirton, WV, on March 24, 1928, Michael was one of four children born to Michael John and Elizabeth Reba Babinchak, Sr. He grew up in Weirton and quit school early to help support his family. This work ethic carried on throughout his life, as he worked many doubles to send his children to college. In 1951, Mike enlisted in the United States Army, where he was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. He trained soldiers how to jump out of airplanes, having over 1000 successful jumps. Mike, a gifted athlete, played two ways as a linebacker and center for the United States Army Semi-pro team. He was also a professional boxer with a winning record of 19-1. He decided his arms were not long enough after his last fight and his only defeat in the ring. Closer to home, he played fastpitch softball and bowled. His talent on the bowling lanes has stretched through three generations, as his grandson is on the first-ever athletic scholarship to come out of Weir High School for bowling. On November 6, 1954, he married his former neighbor girl, Elinor Collini. They were blessed with two children and two grandchildren in over 66 years of marriage. Mike provided for his family by working for Weir Cove Moving and Storage, where he hauled freight and Steel for a combination of 37 ½ years. He was a member of the Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3734, The Fourth Degree Assembly; and the American Legion Post 10. Mike’s favorite family vacation destination was Wildwood, NJ with and occasional side trip to the casinos in Atlantic City. In years past, Mike enjoyed dancing the polka, jitterbug, and rumba with his wife. They were selected to dance on the Del Taylor Dance Show in Wheeling that was aired on local television. As he got older, he enjoyed getting together with his brother knights as they competed on the bocce courts on summer evenings. Most of all, Mike will be remembered as a happy fun loving guy. He cherished many years with his family, teaching them how to be successful, and how to enjoy life. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his brother Andrew, and his sister, Mary Sisinni. He will be remembered with love by his wife, Elinor, his son, Bob, and his wife Amy; his daughter, Alice, his grandchildren, Mary and Thomas and his brother George. Visitation will be from 12 Noon until 1:45 PM on Friday at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2:00 PM Friday at Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Weirton. Entombment will follow with military honors at Saint Paul’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. My condolences to Mike’s family. He hauled steel out of where I shipped. He was one of the “old timers”. I enjoyed working and chatting with Babby. May he Rest In Peace.

  2. To Bob, Amy, Mary, Thomas, and all other family members. Prayers and condolences. God Bless 🙏

  3. My grandpa Micheal was the reason I ever started bowling , I was the first bowler to get a scholarship at weir high school. I love you pap rest easy

  4. Alice I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Linda Magnone

  5. May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time, May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, May your memories of Michael John Babinchak, Jr., give you peace, comfort and strength… Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete. I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to the family of …. US Army Veteran, Michael John Babinchak, Jr., is “A True American Hero” God Bless† † Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †

  6. Bob and family, I’m sorry to be sending this so late, I just found the obituary. Mike was a very fine person, I remember him from bowling. He was always a pleasant person.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

  1. Candle Selection 1
  2. Candle Selection 2
  3. Candle Selection 3
  4. Candle Selection 4
  5. Candle Selection 5
  6. Candle Selection 6
  7. Candle Selection 7
  8. Candle Selection 8