Michael Frank Kalwarski

Michael Frank Kalwarski, 72, of Natrona Heights passed away peacefully on January 30, 2024 with his loving family and friends at his side.

Mike was born on July 23, 1951 and was the son of the late Walter and Eleanor (Crytzer) Kalwarski. He grew up in Natrona, PA with the most amazing friends and was in the first graduation class of Highlands High School in 1969. After high school, he served in the United States Air Force from 1970-1974. He proudly held the role of Air Cargo Specialist, and everyone loved to hear stories from his years of service and world travels.

Mike followed his military service as a welder at Allegheny Ludlum (ATI) in Brackenridge, PA for 35 years. After he retired in 2010, he continued to enjoy gathering with his life-long friends for parties and drinks. Mike had a big personality, and his family and friends were always entertained by his ability to have fun!

Mike married Carlene (Mazza) Kalwarski on April 27, 1989 and enjoyed supporting her home-based bakery, Ladylocks by Carlene. In addition to helping her with baking, he especially loved making deliveries. He always made her giggle when she would ask, “Did you get paid?", and he would respond, “Yes, it’s now my tip!”. They also loved sharing twelve wonderful years as snowbirds in Cocoa Beach with many friends from around the United States and Canada. He felt blessed to have them as his Florida Family.

Mike was a life member of the Brackenridge American Legion and PNA and a lifelong golfer. He loved the twice-a-year golf outings to Conneaut Lake with his buddies that spanned 45 years, and they loved him to the moon and back. He became a mentor to many and will be truly missed by all.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 35 beautiful years, Carlene (Mazza) Kalwarski; his two sisters, Debbie (the late, Terrence) Conroy of Tarentum, PA and Judy ( the late, James) Shelly of Simsbury, CT; his mother in law, Rosemary (Coward) Mazza; and the numerous brothers/sisters in law, nieces/nephews, and great nieces/nephews who all cherished "Uncle Mike".

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Hillman Cancer Center, St. Margaret’s Hospital, and Canterbury Place’s Hospice Unit (Lawrenceville) for their amazing care and support.

Mike is so loved and will be dearly missed. A private ceremony to lay him to rest with full military honors will be held at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA.

Donations can be made to the Canterbury Place, Family Hospice Unit, 310 Fisk Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.  15201,  who were absolutely amazing, kind generous, and gave Mike so much love.

Arrangements are under the care of the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., Natrona Heights 724-224-8688.  To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.