Obituary of Michael Stirr

Michael J. Stirr (January 2, 1941 - September 20, 2012) Michael J. Stirr, 71, passed away peacefully at home on September 20, 2012. His family had kept vigil at his bedside and were blessed to be there and share their love in his final days. Michael was born on January 2, 1941, in Taylor, Pa. He was the son of Michael and Mary (Kundrat) Stirr. In 1952, he moved with his family to Canadensis where they owned and operated Evergreen Lodge. Michael attended Barrett High School and graduated from Churchman Business College. He continued his studies at East Stroudsburg and Penn State Universities. Michael began his career with Oiljak Co. in Stroudsburg which later became Banner Metals, Inc. He worked in the Accounting Dept. and went on to be Vice President, Finance and ultimately President. Michael continued his career in Tunkhannock, Pa. when he joined Sire Power as CFO in 1997, eventually retiring in 2006. In his younger days, Michael was active in Pocono Mtn. Jaycees. He held numerous offices including President. He served on the board of directors of NEPA Blue Cross. He was a member of Elks Lodge # 319, and Knights of Columbus #12447, in Canadensis. He was a member of St. Bernadette Church. He loved the game of golf, pinochle and Black Jack, and played them all well. Michael and his wife Jacklyn raised their family in Stroudsburg Retirement brought them back to Canadensis. Here he served on the boards of the Barrett Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Historical Society. His interest in the community prompted him to also participate in the Pocono Area Recreation Commission. He successfully ran for Barrett Township Supervisor in 2009. A position he had to relinquish this past May, due to health reasons. Michael believed in God, family, good friends, "giving back", and a strong work ethic. He frequently said "If you are just on time for work, you're late. " In turn he was beloved by his family, esteemed by his friends and respected in the community. He was so proud of being able to afford his children a college education. His own father had to leave school in the 4th grade to work in the mines to help support the family. Michael is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jacklyn, two sons: Michael Stirr and wife Lalena of Canadensis, Pa, Christopher Stirr and wife Eran of Wyomissing, Pa; one daughter Elizabeth Stirr of Baltimore, MD. He was a gentle and loving Granddad and mentor to Logan, Gabriel, Lily and Xander Stirr. Michael is now holding the hand of his littlest grandson Keegan Michael. He is also survived by his sister Marianna Diehl, of Binghamton, NY, brothers and sisters-in-law Jim and Anne Noyes and David and Brenda Beers, nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be a viewing on Sunday, September 23 from 2:00-5:00 pm at Bolock Funeral Home and Crematory, 6148 Paradise Valley Road, Hwy 940, Cresco, Pa. 18326. The Reverend Father Joseph Kopacz will celebrate a Mass of Christian burial on Monday, September 24 at 10:00 am at St. Bernadette's Church, Route 390 in Canadensis. In lieu of flowers, Michael's family request donations be made at VNA-Hospice of Monroe County, 502 Independence Road, East Stroudsburg, Pa. 18301