Michael A. Vugrinovich, 78, of Monongahela, passed away Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. He was the son of the late Michael and Loretta Solomon Vugrinovich of Fin-leyville. He was born Sept. 12, 1945, in New Eagle. Michael is a 1964 Monongahela High School graduate. After graduation, he was employed for one year at U.S. Steel before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. From 1965 to 1969, his military service included two tours of Vietnam. He was in the 377 Cmbt. Spt. Gq., an elite special police force. After his military service, he was a self-employed general contractor from 1970 until his retirement. He was a successful businessman and builder. His business, MAV Construction, consisted of remodeling, new homes and eventually commercial and industrial contracting. Michael enjoyed a wide variety of sports. He played and managed softball teams that participated in at least six world tournaments. He coached midget league football and enjoyed ice hockey. He also enjoyed fishing. The Pioneer Archery Club offered years of great fellowship, but none was as meaningful to him as the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club/W Chapter. Under his leadership, the Second Brigade MC/W Chapter was established. The club gave each member a road name. The name “Pepe” as in Pepé Le Pew was given to Michael because he was clean shaven and wore cologne. He enjoyed long runs and was designated as a road captain. The camaraderie among the Vietnam Vets was a brotherhood that only a combat veteran could relate to. He loved his brothers. Michael had many unique qualities. He was independent, charismatic, witty and wise. He was handsome and personable. At first meeting, he could disarm you with his charm and at the same time make an instant friend. He was one of a kind. He was his own man and always did it his way. He will be missed greatly by family and friends. He was Catholic by faith and had a very special relationship with Father Robert Boyle (deceased in 2021), a previous priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Finleyville. Michael’s love of animals, both domestic and wild, led him to a daily commitment of feeding ducks and geese at the pond located at the Finleyville Cemetery. St. Francis would be proud as he never missed a day. Michael is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Darlene “Dolly” Kozon Vugrinovich; son, Michael A. (Lisa) Vugrinovich Jr. of Lone Pine; daughter, Michelle (Ronald) Vivio of Eighty Four; sister, Nancy (Ray) Berisko of Brownsville; brother, John (Kathy) Vugrinovich of Monongahela; sister-in-law, Patty Kozon of Monongahela; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Michael, who died in infancy in 1941; and a brother-in-law, John Kozon in 2019. On Nov. 9, 2023, a Mass of Christian burial was held at St. John XXIII, St. Francis of Assisi Church with the Rev. Robert Miller as celebrant. Committal prayers at the cemetery were said by the Rev. Deacon Victor Satter. Inurnment was held at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville with military honors accorded by the U.S. Air Force and the South Hills Honor Guard. Arrangements were entrusted to FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC., Monongahela. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Jefferson Hospital nurses, especially sixth-floor oncology, Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation and the Hawthorne Woods caregivers in Washington. A special thank you to Gallagher Hospice for their compassionate care. Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 66, Eighty Four, PA 15330, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, 600 River Ave., Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com.
