Samuel Birach, 68, Retired in 1997 from Pipefitters Local #42

Born on August 12, 1935 in Lorain, Mr. Birach had lived in the Lorain and Amherst areas. During the Korean Conflict, he had served in the U.S. Air Force. He had been employed as a pipe fitter for the Plumber's and Pipefitter's Union Local #42 in Norwalk, for 40 years, retiring in 1997. He was a member of SS Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Church in Lorain. He enjoyed working with stained glass, fishing and woodworking.

He is survived by his wife Catherine (nee-Hannan) of 47 years, son Samuel Michael Birach of Amherst, three daughters: Susan Justice of Amherst, Cathy Smith of Lorain and Sandra Seals of Vermilion, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, sister Joan Nunez of Lorain.

He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Jean Justice and Helen Birach, and by his parents Samuel "Sava" Birach and Mary (nee- Vorkovich) Birach.

The family will receive friends on Monday, August 9, 2004 from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain, where Parastas will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call again on Tuesday in the funeral home, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 9:30 a.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., in SS Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Church, 3056 Reeves Avenue and Meister Road, Lorain, with the Rev. Fr. Paul Monkowski, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

Contributions can be made if desired to: The Kidney Foundation of Ohio, Inc., 1370 West 6 Street, Suite 201, Cleveland, Ohio 44113.