Harry Mahilo, 78, Participated in D-Day invasion, given Purple Heart

He was born December 26, 1924 in Elyria and had resided in Lorain since 1948, moving from Elyria.

Mr. Mahilo was a 1943 graduate of Elyria High School. He served with the US Army during World War II as a sergeant in the 90th Infantry Division and participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy. He was awarded two Bronze Battle Stars and the Purple Heart.

Mr. Mahilo worked at the General Motors Fisher Body Plant in Elyria as a supervisor for 34 years, retiring in 1980. Prior that he worked at US Steel in Lorain.

He was a member of St. Michael Byzantine Rite Catholic Church in Lorain and the church’s Holy Name Society in which he was a past Holy Name Man-of-the-year. Mr. Mahilo was a member of the Disabled American Veteran’s Louis Paul Proy Chapter 20 in Lorain. He enjoyed gardening.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Betty (nee Iski), sons Dennis Mahilo and Kenneth Mahilo, both of Lorain and Gary Mahilo of Elyria, daughter Donna Houston of Sullivan, sister Mary Walchko of Lorain, brother William Mahilo of Elyria, and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Katherine (nee Dudush) Mahilo, twin brother John Mahilo, brothers: Joseph, Alex, and sister Anna Maurer.

Friends may call Monday, September 15, 2003 from 5-8 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. A parastas service will be held Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral chapel. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Catholic Church, 2711 W. 40th street Lorain. The Rev. James Batcha, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery 40th street, Lorain. The Rev. James Batcha, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Lorain where the Disabled American Veteran’s Louis Paul Proy Chapter 20 of Lorain will conduct military honors.