Michael Edward Sendek, of White Oak, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully at The Grove at Irwin on Friday, September 2, 2022 at the age of 70. Born on November 20, 1951, he is predeceased by Linda, his beloved wife of 42 years and his parents Helen and Edward Sendek of Windber, Pennsylvania and one brother.
He is survived by his daughter Lauren (Nicholas) Talotta of North Huntington, adored grandchildren Nicholas and Alexis, his “maniac” mini goldendoodle Milo, five siblings and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Michael worked in the field of Bloodbanking and Clinical Chemistry, followed by Computer Science and Information Technology, a field from which he retired at The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2015. He was an avid fly fisherman, only willing to fish with flies he tied himself. He had dozens of other hobbies, including woodworking, gardening, mineral collecting, computer software beta testing and cooking. He served as Chair of the Affiliate Award Judges at the Covestro Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair for eighteen years. Teaching young children about the scientific method was a passion for him which began with his own daughter. He coached his grandson through two science fair projects and was discussing his third, a backyard bird study, up until the day before his passing.
It was Michael’s wish that no services be held. His remains will be spread, along with his wife’s, in a favored trout stream. Arrangements were handled by Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177).
Those wishing to honor his memory may make donations in his name to either the White Oak Animal Safe Haven to support homeless animals in his hometown or the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited to support and maintain his favorite fishing streams.
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www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com