John Michael (Mike) Vath, 65, of Franklin passed away at 4:13 am on August 10, 2017, at the home of his sister after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born April 16, 1952 in Franklin, Mike was the oldest son of the late John J. and Patricia Grimm Vath. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1971. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Mike worked at Electralloy in his early years, then worked for Joy Mining Machinery for over 36 years.
Mike was a friend to many. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand when needed, asking for nothing in return. He was a member of St. Patrick Church of Franklin, the Franklin Moose Club, the Franklin Eagles Club, the Franklin Elks Club, and the VFW Jesse Greer Post 1835 in Franklin. Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, canoeing, duckpin bowling, and listening to a wide variety of music.
Mike is survived by his two daughters, Christine Hightower and her husband, Chris, of Bella Vista, AR, and Kelly Brady and her husband, Tait, of Homosassa, FL; his 5 grandchildren, Bayli (Marcus) Robertson of Alex, OK, and Andrew (Kyli) Hightower of Granby, MO, and Reagan, Evan, and Lauren Brady, all of Homosassa, FL; and his 3 great-grandsons. Mike is also survived by his two sisters, Linda Crawford and her husband, Dan, of Franklin, , and Cynthia Vath (Brett Loomis) of Polk; several nieces and nephews, as well as his longtime companion, Deb Monks.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his two brothers, Joseph Mark Vath and James “Duffy” Vath. A Memorial Service for Mike will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Gardinier Funeral Home, 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin.
The family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society — PA Division, PO Box 896, Hershey PA 17033-0896; and or to a charity of one’s choice.
To send cards or online condolences, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.
