Obituary of Michael John Barna

Michael John Barna August 4, 2017 Michael John Barna, 75, of Swoyersville, passed away Friday, August 4, 2017 at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Born August 1, 1942 in Kingston, Michael was the son of the late Michael and Anna (Miterko) Barna and also preceded in death by brother, Donald Barna. A lifelong resident of Swoyersville, he graduated from Swoyersville High School and Kingston Technical School as an electrician. He served in the United States Army and earned a degree from Penn State University. He was employed by General Cigar Company as a mechanic/machinist and Martz Trailways as a driver. Mike was a member of Holy Family Parish, Luzerne, he was involved in several community organizations throughout his adult life. These included the Maltby Fire Department, American Legion Post 644, Knights of Columbus (4th degree), and Cub-Boy Scout Troop 144. He continued his community involvement by serving as an elected member of the school board of the Wyoming Valley West School District; 3 of his 16 years serving as president. Michael possessed a certain charm. He had a strong zest for living. His patience, endurance and fight for life was an inspiration for all who knew him. Surviving is his wife of 52 years. Mary Ann (Simchak) Barna, his sons, Michael Barna and wife Colleen, Swoyersville and Thomas Barna and wife Susan, Fort Washington; three grandchildren, John, Matthew and Kevin Barna; niece, Diane McGee, Kingston; nephew, James Yatsko, Luzerne; sister-in-law Helen Yatsko, Luzerne. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at 10:00 am in Holy Family Parish, Luzerne. Interment will be in St. John Nepomucene Cemetery, Courtdale. Family and friends may call at 9:00 am until time of service at Holy Family R.C. church. Arrangements by Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, Inc. 568 Bennett St. Luzerne. The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Rupp, Dr. Elizabeth Gernhardt and the highly skilled staff at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. To leave a message of condolence for his family please visit www.betzjastremski.com.