Michael T. Sterchak, DMD

Michael T. Sterchak, DMD, 53, died peacefully Thursday morning in the arms of his wife and children after a lengthy battle with cancer. His wife is the former Joanne Pitoniak.

Born June 7, 1956, in Carbondale, he was the son of the late Michael and Helen Frances Hawkins Sterchak. He was a graduate of Forest City Regional High School, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Community of Forest City. Dr. Sterchak's dental practice served Forest City and the surrounding area for over twenty-seven years. Professionally, he was a member of the American Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Dental Association and their constituent societies, as well as the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association.

He maintained a deep and abiding duty to his hometown which he demonstrated through several means; most notably by providing dental exams to local school students and residents of the Forest City Nursing Center. He also served three terms as School Director on the Forest City Regional Board of Education, one as president, and is a founding trustee to the Forest City Regional Educational Foundation along with his wife Joanne. His practice belonged to the Forest City Commercial Association, for which he served as the 1994 Old Home Week Chairman. He also volunteered his time in several capacities to the Forest City Little League, Elkview Junior Golf, Boy Scouts of America Troop 407, and Miss C softball during his children's growing years.

An accomplished golfer, "Doc" was a member of Elkview Country Club and Panorama Golf Club where he played competitively and with his family. Over his playing career, he recorded two holes-in-one.

Also surviving are a son Michael A. Sterchak, a daughter Stephanie Sterchak, and a sister Paula Lim.

He was preceded in death by a sister Beverly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Monday at 10:30 am in St. Joseph's Church, Forest City. The family will receive friends at the church, from 10 am until mass time.

Viewing will take place Sunday from 2 - 5 pm at the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home, 513 Main Street, Forest City. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Forest City Regional Educational Foundation (fcrsd.org)

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