Michael Kerick Jr.

Michael Kerick Jr., 72, of Pottsville, passed away Wednesday December 4, 2024 at LVHN-Schuylkill East. Born in Pottsville, October 23, 1952, he was a son of Michael Sr. and Mary (Babusik) Kerick. He was a 1970 graduate of St. Clair High School. Michael Served in the US Marine Corps from 1970-1974. He often said, "Once a Marine, always a Marine."  He then went on to work for various construction companies, finally retiring in 2017 as a Construction Superintendent at Odyssey International. He was a member the Marine Corps League and Yorkville Hose Co. Michael was an avid outdoorsman – he enjoyed hiking, fishing and picking wild mushrooms. Spending time in the kitchen was his happy place, cooking up famous recipes from the "noodle" cookbook. When his children were growing up, he thoroughly enjoyed watching them play sports, supporting by keeping score at CYO basketball games and giving great advice following the game. Michael also was passionate about soccer. Joining the SYSA in the 90s and eventually refereeing PIAA Schuylkill League Soccer Games in his spare time. Later in life, he enjoyed watching his grandsons play football, basketball and baseball and visiting his daughter and her family in Texas. Michael will be remembered as a good friend, encouraging father and supportive husband. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law Raymond O'Boyle and beloved cat, Maggie, who passed away recently at 23 years old. Surviving are his wife of 44 years Kathleen M. (O'Boyle) Kerick; 2 daughters Alexandra (Mark) Kalyan of Pottsville;  Samantha (Chris) Wood of Carrollton, TX; Grandsons Mason, Miles, and Maverick Kalyan; Granddaughters Addison Harmon & Willow Wood; Brothers James (Ruth) Kerick of  St. Clair, Russell Kerick of Whitehall; Sisters Carol (Bob) Fenton of Holidaysburg; Jean (Bob) Kalochie of Saint Clair; Nancy (John) Houseknecht of St. Clair; Mary Beth Sankus of Flagstaff, AZ; Mother-in-law Anne Marie O'Boyle; In Laws – Raymond (Robin) O'Boyle Jr of Rheems; Barbara (Donald) Kohler of Castle Hayne, NC; Daniel (Cindy) O'Boyle of Sinking Spring; Mary Beth (Dan) Cordle of Swedesboro, NJ; Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. Service of Remembrance/Celebration of Life will be held at 8:00 PM Sunday December 8, 2024 at Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home. Friends may call from 6:00-8:00PM at the funeral home.  In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, P.O. Box 98, Saint Clair, PA 17970. Burial with Military Honors will be held at 10:30 AM Monday December 9, 2024 at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.