Nick Vrbanac, 85, Coal Miner and Assembler

He was born February 14, 1921 in Mather, Pennsylvania. He has been a resident of Amherst since 1965.

He served in the US Army during World War II. Nick was employed as a coal miner for twenty years and also was employed by the Lorain Plant of Ford Motor Corp for fifteen years retiring in 1983 as an assembler. Nick was a member of St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Lorain. He was a member of the United Mine Workers, United Auto Workers, and the Croatian Lodge.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-two years, Ann Vrbanac (nee: Sakal); his son Nicholas Vrbanac of Lorain; his daughter Kathleen Logar of Amherst; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and his sister Barbara Volchko of Amherst.

He was preceded in death by his parents Nick and Margaret Vrbanac (nee: Derezic); and by his brother Joseph Vrbanac.

Friends may call Tuesday, March 14, 2006, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Avenue, Amherst where a Parastas Service will be held at 8 p.m. Closing prayers will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at the funeral home with a Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m. at S.S. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church; 2238 E. 32nd Street, Lorain. The Rev. Fr. Basil Stoyka, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 12 p.m. in Green County Memorial Cemetery, Morgan Township, Pennsylvania.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to S.S. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church; 2238 E. 32nd Street, Lorain, Ohio 44055 or make checks payable to “Columbia University ALS Gift Fund” at Columbia University Medical Center, Development Office; 100 Haven Avenue, Suite 29D, New York, New York 10032 for research on Lou Gehrig’s Disease.