Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

September 29, 1918 - January 9, 2015

Kushner, Michael David Age 96, on Friday, January 9, 2015, of Whitehall.

Michael was born on September 29, 1918 in Whitaker and grew up in Homestead. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary (Tomko) Kushner, his wife of 46 years, (Emma) Jane Clarke Kushner, his sister, Marguerite Harding, and his brother, John (Bob) Kushner. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Peg Clarke of Bryn Mawr, PA along with many nieces and nephews including, Edward Clarke of Mt. Lebanon, Michael Harding of Hixson, TN, and David Kushner of Brentwood. Michael graduated from Homestead High School in 1936 and from the University of Pittsburgh in 1947. He joined the United States Navy in 1943 and in 1944 became a Naval Aviator at Pensacola, FL piloting the PBY. During WWII he was a Seaplane Pilot and throughout the Korean War he maintained his flying status as a Week-End Warrior. After special training, he was designated as the Instrument Flight Instructor for his squadron. He retired from the Naval Reserve, in 1966, with the rank of Lieutenant. Michael was employed, for 32 years, as an Industrial Engineer for USX Corporation before retiring in 1978. An avid bridge player and golfer, Michael was a member of South Hills Country Club from 1966 until 1998 and a volunteer with the local PGA course rating team. He also volunteered for many years at Kane Regional and Jefferson Hospital. Michael was a child of "The Great Depression" and thus he saved everything and could fix anything! On behalf of Michael, his family would like to extend a special thank you to the families of Steve and Sue Gilbert and Mike Murray for their friendship and to his caregivers for their understanding and compassion. They include: the employees of Paramount Bethel Park, Celtic Hospice, Dr. Bryce Palchick M.D. and staff, and Dr. James Allen M.D. and staff. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Rd., Brentwood, PA 15227 on Saturday, January 17, from 9 a.m. until 11a.m. with a funeral service to follow. In lieu of flowers, family suggests contributions to Whitehall Public Library 100 Borough Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.