Michael J. Pryor

Michael J. Pryor, age 84, of Long Beach, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2009 at the VNA Hospice, Valparaiso, IN. Services will be held Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Carlisle Funeral Home, with Deacon Victor Janowski officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. He was born April 26, 1925 in Calumet City, Il to Michael and Rose Pryor Sr., both of whom preceded him in death. On October 11, 1947 he married Aurelia (Pat) Schumacher, who survives. He is also survived by his 2 daughters: Pamela Stockham, Michigan City, IN, and Patricia (Jim) Faroh, Huntington, IN, 4 grandchildren, Michael (Megan) Stockham, Phoenix, AZ, Kate (Ryan) Rogowski, Valparaiso, IN, Michele Faroh, Fort Wayne, IN, and Jimmy Faroh, Muncie, IN, and sister, Genevieve (Bill) Tagtman, Schererville, IN He served as a 2nd Lieutenant in WWII as a bomber pilot and trainer. He was honored to be asked to join the Glenn Miller Band playing clarinet and saxophone. The band entertained top army personnel. He was an executive for NIPSCO for 37 years in the Indiana cities of Decatur, Valparaiso, Goshen, and Michigan City. He served on numerous community groups: United Way, Community Foundation, Rotary Club, and Chamber if Commerce. He enjoyed sharing his talent by serving on building committees for Catholic Churches in Decatur, Valparaiso and Goshen. He was an avid gourmet cook and loved looking after his cars. He enjoyed time with family, past fellow employees, and friends. He will be remembered for his warm, friendly, outgoing nature. Even in his last days, he had a smile and a “thank you” for all of his family, friends, and caregivers. Memorials and remembrances may be made to Notre Dame Catholic Parish or Rolling Meadows.