Michael Cieply

Of Shaler Twp., age 92. A native Pittsburgher, Mike was born in 1924, the son of Joseph and Tekla (Szczeglinski) Cieply, and grew up in the citys Strip District. A graduate of Central Catholic High School, Mike joined the United States Army at age 19 and served his country in Europe during World War II, ultimately earning the rank of sergeant. He traveled aboard the Queen Mary when it was used as a troop carrier during the war. After the wars end, he earned his associate degree in accounting from Robert Morris College. Mike was employed as a millwright by Kress Box Company, later St. Regis Paper, for 32 years. During this time, he also served as financial secretary and shop steward for the International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulfite and Paper Mill Workers. In 1979, Mike and his wife Helen moved to Southern California where he worked for Western Kraft and Corru Kraft. He retired in 1990 and returned to the Pittsburgh area a few years later. As someone who put family first, Mike will be remembered for his hard work and generous spirit. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Helen Mary, his siblings, Kazmiercz, Anthony, Tadeusz, Thomas, Edward and Mary, and his granddaughter, Sally Swank. Surviving him are his children, Mark Cieply (Geraldine) of Shaler Twp., Christie Southerland (J. Scott) of Ross Twp., Sylvia Cieply (William Swank) of Long Beach, CA; granddaughters Marissa Cieply and Susan Swank, and numerous nieces and nephews.