MICHAELS

CHARLES J. "MIKOLAJCZYK"

Charles J. Michaels, born Mikolajczyk, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, at the age of 83. Born and raised in Braddock, Pennsylvania, Charles lived a life grounded in love, hard work and unwavering devotion to family and friends.

Beloved husband of 62 years to Linda Michaels (Neaves), whom he married on April 20, 1963; Charles was the devoted father of Charles W. Michaels (Stacey), Cindy Siple (Roger), Timothy Michaels, Megan Michaels and the late Melissa Ebling. He was the treasured "Pap Pap" to Logan Siple (Jennifer), Talia Siple, Burke Siple, Sian Michaels, Emma Michaels Giglio, Elayna Ebling and Elyse Ebling — each one of them the light of his life.

He is survived by his loving brothers, Richard Mikolajczyk (Terry) and Ronald Mikolajczyk (Sheila); nieces, Kelly Mikolajczyk, Kim Rohal (Scott), Lisa Stough (Dan) and Maria Neidig (Jon); and was preceded in death by his parents, Ann (Nolencz) and Charles Mikolajczyk; his brother, Robert Mikolajczyk; and his beloved daughter, Melissa Ebling.

Charlie began his working life at the Eight Street Market in Braddock, before becoming a skilled machinist. Over the years, he lent his talents to U.S. Steel, Westinghouse, Siemens and Curtiss-Wright, where he took great pride in crafting precision parts for nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy. His hands built more than machines — they built a life of strength, support and care.

A man of many interests, Charlie loved model trains, genealogy, photography, history, car repair and anything he could take apart and fix. He was famous in the family for his joyful renditions of Polish Christmas carols — he knew every word and sang them with heart. He had a gentle soul, a great sense of humor, a touch of stubbornness and an uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. He never forgot a face, had a nickname for everyone and carried his kindness quietly and consistently through all he did.

Charlie found joy in the simple things — feeding apples to the deer in the backyard, leaving peanuts for the squirrels and birds, sneaking cookies to the kids in the neighborhood and watching the world go by with wonder and contentment. His legacy is one of love, humility and quiet strength.

Family and friends are invited to honor Charles at a Viewing on Sunday, April 27, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at JEFFERSON MEMORIAL. A Funeral Mass and Catholic Burial will be held on Monday, April 28, at 10 a.m., at St. Thomas A' Becket, Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Charles's memory to the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA, 4401 Penn Ave., Suite 3000, Pittsburgh, PA 15224.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from friends, neighbors and the compassionate care of the Hospice team. Charles's gentle presence will be missed by many but his love will live on in all who had the honor of knowing him.