Michael A. Barnisin

Michael A. Barnisin, Sr. passed away peacefully on January 31, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife Betty (Bondi), with whom he celebrated 67 years of marriage. Michael was 90 years old, born on May 29, 1933 in Duquesne, PA, to the late Mihal and Anna Barnisin, both immigrated from Czechoslovakia, and was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Kushner, and Mary Sloss.

Michael was a US Army veteran, active duty, having served as a Captain in the Ordinance Corps at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Michael was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University where he received degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management. Michael assisted in the design of the Nautilus, the world's first nuclear powered submarine, while employed at Westinghouse Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA. He later served as the Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer for the Atomic Energy Commission at the Naval Reactor Facility in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Subsequently, Michael was personally selected by Admiral H. G. Rickover, Director, US Naval Reactors Office, to work special operations. Michael later worked at Gilbert Associates/United Energy Services in Reading, PA, prior to incorporating his engineering consulting business, as President of Titan Technologies, Inc.

Active in several notable clubs, Michael served as past President of the Reading Toastmasters Club 714, and St Ignatius Loyola Seniors Club, as well as a member of The Freedoms Foundation Valley Forge Chapter. He was a lector and longtime parishioner at St Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church. His volunteer and charitable services included Berks Heim volunteer, St Ignatius Loyola parish activities, and was a life giving blood donor of over 80 pints for local blood banks and hospitals.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four loving children: Patty B. Albin (Chuck Albin) of Medford, Oregon, Debra Barnisin-Lange (Stephen M. Lange) of Pittsburgh PA, Michael A. Barnisin Jr (Lissette Rodriguez) of Nashville TN, and Richard D. Barnisin (Leanna) of Herndon Virginia. He was blessed with seven grandchildren: Lindsey Emmons (Terry ), Michael A. Barnisin III, Andrew Barnisin, Sarah B. Severin (Zach), Camille Barnisin (Stuart Patterson), David Barnisin (Gina), and Brian Barnisin, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Michael had an amazing sense of humor, the winningest smile, and the heartiest laugh in the world. A selfless man and our pillar of strength, who gave everything without a thought for himself. So much good of who we are came from him. We are proud of his devotion and service to our country, church, and family. A die-hard Pittsburgh fan, his beloved Steelers and Penguins (and long suffering Pirates) were the source of much joy and excitement as well as near cardiac episodes!

We love you so much, are so thankful and blessed to have had you in our lives, and will miss you always.

A viewing will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Ave, West Reading. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in West Lawn, PA. The family will receive friends and relatives from 10:30 am until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St Ignatius Loyola Memorial Fund.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc is honored to serve the Barnisin family. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.