PROTZ, Michael “Mike”, 75 of Unicoi, TN, formerly of Florida and Virginia died Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Born November 11, 1942 in Blairsville, PA, Mike was the youngest of ten children born to the late Anna (Verosky) and Michael Protz. Mike graduated from Blairsville High School in June 1960.
He was also a graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Accounting. Mike married the former Bonnie Blystone, also of Blairsville, PA in 1971. Having both come from the same town, they were destined to be together, meeting in the Washington D.C. area.
Mike was employed by the federal government for 26 years, retiring in 1992. He worked in the finance department within the following agencies; Department of Commerce, Department of Treasury, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Interior, and the Department of the U.S. Navy. His government career came full circle as he enlisted as an active member of the U.S. Navy in 1960.
Mike enjoyed traveling with his wife, in particular, their ski trips and cruises around the world. He was an avid gardener and self-taught cook, who prepared dishes using vegetables and herbs from his garden. He took pride in his beautiful flower gardens and landscapes.
His love of fishing took him to the Florida Keys and Delaware. Mike loved music and sharing the history of the types of music he enjoyed with his nieces and nephews. He also loved to visit local establishments to hear the talent and sing along.
He was the loving, devoted husband to Bonnie, devoted brother to his siblings and his many nieces and nephews. Mike is also survived by: his sisters, Terry (Protz) Falik of Philadelphia, PA, Helen (Protz) Mireles of Summerville, SC; sisters-in-law, Garnet (Oaks) Citeroni of Blairsville, PA and Deborah Oaks of Columbiana, OH. In addition to his parents, Mike was also preceded in death by: his brothers, Paul and Vincent; and sister, Anne Anzelone, Betty Gia, Mary Protz, Dorothy Stark, and Margaret Protz.
Mike’s smile, sense of humor, laughter and love will be missed by all who had the pleasure of calling him husband, uncle, brother, and friend. As per the family’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A memorial service is planned for Saturady, September 29, 2018, at the James F. Ferguson Funeral Home in Blairsville, PA.
The family will receive friends starting at noon until 1 PM, the time of the service, with Rev. Timothy Monroe officiating. A graveside military service will follow at the S.S. Simon and Jude Cemetery, also located in Blairsville, PA.
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