Michael John Wernicki, 65, of Plant City, died Nov. 24, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer.
A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, he was born Dec. 3, 1950, to the late Joseph and Sophie (Yuskiewicz) Wernicki. He graduated from Tech Memorial High School in Erie, Pennsylviania, in 1968 and from Gannon University in 1977. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Vietnam. He retired in 2013 from UPS Freight. He loved his church, his country and most of all, his family.
He enjoyed pro and college football and was a longtime Cleveland Browns fan. He loved living in Florida, going to the beach and enjoying life. He enjoyed doing spur-of-the-moment things, whether it was a road trip to the Florida Keys or to Washington D.C. for a political rally. Though hospitalized, he was able to obtain a ballot and vote in the 2016 election. Using an old family sausage recipe, he was a self-proclaimed sausage king in both Pennsylvania and Plant City. He was active at St. Clement Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #8095 and the American Legion. He also volunteered his services at Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy (Cappello); son, Mark Wernicki, of Plant City; daughters, Tina Capparelli (Anthony), of Orlando and Julie Wernicki, of Plant City; grandchildren, Dominic and Gianna Capparelli, of Orlando; sister, Barbara Vahey (John), of Erie, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law, Josie Wernicki; nieces, Donna Samol (Terry), Lori Wadman (Eric), Cindy Dean (Jon), Carrie Aldrete and Mary Aldrete (Henry); nephews, Jack (Alicia), Bob (Julie) and Michael (Maura); and many great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Martha Susan Wernicki and Patricia Wernicki; and brothers, Anthony Wernicki, Peter Wernicki and Paul Wernicki.
Services will be announced at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, Pennsylvania 16505 or 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, or to St. Clement Catholic Church, 1104 N. Alexander St., Plant City, Florida 33563.
Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.