Mike "Mitchie" Vignovich

Mike “Mitchie” Vignovich, 100, of Center Township, Beaver County, PA, passed away peacefully at St. Clair Hospital, Pittsburgh, on April 25, 2024. He was born on November 19,1923, in what was then Woodlawn, now known as Aliquippa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sava Vignjević (Vignovich) and Smiljana Divić Vignovich; his brother, Fred (Freddie) and his sister-in law, Bertha Grubich Vignovich; his brother, Peter Vignovich; his sister, Bessie Vignovich Bratich and his brother-in-law, Dan Bratich; his niece, Cynthia Bratich; and many cherished cousins, kumovi and friends. Mitchie is survived by several nieces and nephews, along with their spouses and children, for whom he held a special place in his heart: Daniel Bratich, wife Pamela; Joyce Bratich-Cherif and sons Daniel and Michael Cherif; Diane Vignovich Wosotowsky and sons Adam and Matthew; Nadine Vignovich Docherty, husband Pat, and daughter Dr. Megan Docherty and husband Dr. Forrest Harrison; Amy Vignovich Worfel, husband William; Fred Vignovich, Jr., wife Barbara, and daughter Molly and son Kyle. Mitchie was a 1943 graduate of Aliquippa High School. He lived through the Great Depression and began working at a young age in order to earn money for the family. He was a World War II army veteran, and served courageously in Italy, along with his brother, Freddie. Mitchie retired as a rigger in the South Mills of Jones & Laughlin (J&L) Steel Corporation, later known as LTV Corporation, after 30 years. He was known for his remarkable ability to climb to great heights and for always stepping forward when help was needed. He selflessly served not only his country, but his family, friends, kumovi and church. He cared for his sister, Bessie, and niece, Cynthia, for many years, and tended his vegetable garden, sharing his produce with friends and family. Mitchie was a hard worker, had a generous spirit, and an ever-ready smile. As long as he was able, he visited many friends and family in the local hospitals and nursing homes. Mitchie was a lifelong member of Saint Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa. He volunteered for many projects at the church from planting trees, providing the traditional Christmas yule log and helping to burn it, pouring cement sidewalks, to delivering cakes and cookies for the church’s food festivals. He was Kum to Richard Paich and the late Ronald Paich; to Dr. Rade Vukmir and Alana Vukmir; and to Allayna Garrett and Mitchell Garrett. The family would like to thank relatives, friends, kumovi and members of the church who helped to celebrate Mitchie’s 100th birthday, a joyous occasion, and to those who visited and called him. A special thank you to all the staff who cared for him during his time at Friendship Village of South Hills, Upper St. Clair. If desired, contributions in Mitchie’s memory may be made to the Saint Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church, 2200 Irwin Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Funeral arrangements were handled by Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. in Aliquippa with special care. May our beloved Mitchie’s memory be a blessing, and may it be eternal. Vječnaja Pamjat.

Mike "Mitchie" Vignovich

November 19, 1923 - April 25, 2024