Michael J. Pastva Sr.

Michael J. Pastva Sr.

May 29, 1925      January 19, 2021

     Michael J. Pastva Sr., 95, of Martinsburg, went home to be with his Lord and Savior early Tuesday morning, January 19, 2021 at his home.

     He was born in Puritan, Cambria County, son of the late Steven and Julia C. (Trunka) Pastva.  At 19, he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a Seabee during WWII in the South Pacific Theater, attaining the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer.

       On November 17, 1951 he married Mary Lou Quarry in Portage and she preceded him in death on September 19, 2014.  Michael was preceded in death by seven sisters and five brothers; he was the last surviving of 13 children.

     Surviving are two sons: Gerald L. of Roaring Spring and Michael J. Jr., (wife, Mary Beth) of Hartsville, SC; a daughter, Lori A. Brumbaugh (husband, Gerald “Jerry” Sr.) of Martinsburg; seven grandchildren: Stephanie A. Thompson, Mattie C. Verbit, Benjamin N. Pastva, Katherine M. Clifton, Derek C. Nothstein, Erin M. Brumbaugh and Gerald S. “Jerry” Brumbaugh Jr.; three great-grandchildren: Tyler A. Thompson, Landon C. Verbit and Ava C. Verbit; and numerous nieces and nephews.

      Michael retired as an independent truck driver, working for various trucking companies, having last been employed by Mason-Dixon Trucking Line, Kingsport, TN, with a total of 42 years of accident-free service.

     He had attended St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Roaring Spring and Martinsburg Memorial Church of the Brethren with his family.  He was a member of Martinsburg Sportsmen’s Association, D. Merl Tipton VFW Post 43, Martinsburg, Portage American Legion Post 430 and the NRA.

     Michael loved spending time with his family and being a fully engaged grandpa. He enjoyed antique car shows, restoring his antique car, home improvement projects with his wife, and hunting.

     His family will remember him for being the example of a devoted, loving husband to his wife of 63 years, especially for the five years following Mary Lou’s stroke when he visited her every day.

     The family wishes to thank the caregivers from Cove Home Care who lovingly cared for Michael and became part of his extended family. Special gratitude goes to Grane Hospice Care Staff. 

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Martinsburg Area Community Fund, P.O. Box 240, Martinsburg, PA 16662.

     A private memorial service will be held at John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg, Father Allen Zeth celebrant.  Interment with military honors will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg.

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