Michael

Bernard LeLand “Bernie” Michael, 87, a well-known, lifelong Fairview resident, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon, April 23, 2025, at his residence.

Bernard was born at home in Fairview on Jan. 24, 1938. He was the son of the late Relton and Gertrude McGinnis Michael.

He was a 1956 graduate of Fairview Township-Karns City High School. Bernard was a proud U.S. Army veteran and had served with the 82nd Airborne Division, headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C. Bernie had a strong work ethic and retired from Witco in Petrolia following many years of service.

Bernie enjoyed gardening, mowing and caring for the outside of his home, woodworking and origami, but his greatest joy was the company of his family. Bernie looked forward to frequenting the area restaurants with his wife, Peg, and most especially the fellowship of breakfast at the Centurion every morning.

Bernard is survived by his loving wife, Peggy L. Rottman Michael, whom he married at the Fairview United Presbyterian Church on June 6, 1957. The couple had not been apart since. Also surviving are his children, David J. “Jeff” Michael and his wife, Jami, Dennis W. Michael and his wife, Barbara, Charlene Kepple and her husband, Bill, and LeEtta Swigart and her husband, Harley; his grandchildren, Billie Jo Nagel, and her husband, Chad, Joshua Michael, Angela Michael, Brian Michael, Ashley Ciafre and her husband, Derec, Laura Blazejewski and her husband, Brian, Wesley Kepple and Chanc Swigart; his great-grandchildren, Troy and Zac Nagel, Lane and Hope Michael, Annie, Jana and Cara LaMarche, LeLynn Swigart, and Mila, Finley and Mateo Ciafre. Also surviving are a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and a brother-in-law.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Esther Long, Roy, Dewitt, Dean and Charles Michael and Joyce Snow.

MICHAEL — Friends of Bernard LeLand “Bernie” Michael, who died Wednesday, April 23, 2025, will be received from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at HILE FUNERAL HOME OF CHICORA, 339 Chicora Fenelton Road, Chicora.

Military honors accorded by the Chicora and Bradys Bend American Legion posts will be held at 2:45 p.m.

A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Joseph Boomhower, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chicora, officiating.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Michael’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.

To send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.