Michael John Wernicki

WERNICKI, Michael John, age 65, of Plant City, FL passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 24, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. A native of Erie, PA, he was born on December 3, 1950 to the late Joseph and Sophie (Yuskiewicz) Wernicki. Mike retired in 2013 from UPS Freight.

Mike graduated from Tech Memorial High School, Erie, PA in 1968 and Gannon University, Erie, PA in 1977. Mike proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Vietnam.

Michael loved his church, his country, and most of all, his family: Nancy (Cappello), wife of forty two years; son, Mark Wernicki of Plant City, FL; daughter, Tina (Anthony) Capparelli of Orlando, FL; and daughter, Julie Wernicki of Plant City, FL. Two grandchildren, Dominic and Gianna Capparelli of Orlando, FL also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Martha Susan Wernicki and Patricia Wernicki; three brothers, Anthony Wernicki, Peter Wernicki and Paul Wernicki. In addition, he is survived by a sister, Barbara (John) Vahey of Erie, PA; and a sister-in-law, Josie Wernicki; as well as nieces, Donna (Terry) Samol, Lori (Eric) Wadman, Cindy (Jon) Dean, Carrie, and Mary (Henry) Aldrete; nephews, Jack (Alicia), Bob (Julie) and Michael (Maura). Numerous great nieces, great nephews, and great great-nephews also survive.

Mike enjoyed football, being a long time Cleveland Browns fan. He enjoyed college football as well. He loved living in Florida, going to the beach, and in general, enjoying life. He enjoyed doing things spur-of-the-moment, whether it was a road trip to the Florida Keys, or to Washington, DC for a political rally. He was adamant that he wanted to vote in this year’s Presidential election. Even though he was hospitalized at the time, we were able to obtain a ballot and he was able to sign it. He was a patriot to the end. Using an old family sausage recipe, he was a self-proclaimed Sausage King, both in Erie, PA and Plant City, FL.

Michael was active at St. Clement Catholic Church, serving on the Parish Council; Knights of Columbus Council #8095, serving as Treasurer; and the American Legion. Michael also volunteered his services at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa.

A visitation will be at Wells Memorial Funeral Home in Plant City on December 1, 2016, 6-8pm. A funeral Mass will be at St. Clement Catholic Church on December 2, 2016, 11am. Burial will follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL at 1:30pm.

Memorial contributions can be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505 or 12502 USF Pine Dr., Tampa, FL 33612; The American Cancer Society; or St. Clement Catholic Church, 1104 N. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563.

Condolences may be made online at www.wellsmemorial.com.