Nicholas Andrew Mihalik. 88, of Toronto, Ohio, passed away in his home Thursday, March 17, 2011.Nicholas was born on February 25, 1923 in Stratton, Ohio, the son of Nicolas and Mary Mihalik. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Olga, his parents, his brother, Paul Mihalik, his sisters, Mary Maydak and Helen Abdalla, and infant twins. He is survived by his son, Nicholas John, his daughter-in-law, Mary, his granddaughters, Christina and Eva, all of Endwell, NY, and his daughter, Joanna, of Toronto.From a young age, Nicolas enjoyed being involved in community events including polka dances, fireman's parades and sporting events. He was proud of his hometown of Stratton and the neighboring area, where he held various positions which included being a member of the construction crew of a smoke stack at the Sammis Plant, and working in the Empire sewer pipe yards. Nicholas was also honored to have been elected to the office of Mayor of his hometown of Stratton, and in the years that followed he enjoyed sharing stories of life in that small town with his family. No matter where in the world Nicholas found himself, he carried Stratton, as well as his family and friends in his heart. Nicholas joined the World War II war effort by enlisting in the Army Air Corp where he served as Staff Sargent Radio Operator on a B-17G aircraft, also known as the "Flying Fortress". He served in the 8th AF, 13th Wing, 390th BG, 570th BS, Crew 45. Upon completing his training, Nicholas and his crew were sent to England, where they learned that their first bombing mission would be Berlin. Records verify that Crew 45's first Mission was 106 and their target was the Berlin Rail Station GE. The date of that ill fated mission was May 19, 1944. Crew 45 served in the European theater of operations based out of England. On May 19, 1944, Nicholas and his crew left on their first mission. They reached their target in Berlin, accomplished their mission, and were returning to England when they encountered enemy fire from German ME109's. Crew 45's plane was hit during the air battle, and Nicholas and his crew parachuted to earth, landing in a German field. Theirs was the only planed downed during the war on that day.Nicholas was found by a farmer, who held him prisoner until German soldiers arrived to escort him to Stalag Luft IV, where he would be interred until the end of the war. He and his fellow soldiers were liberated by British forces while going on a forced march. Nicholas often recalled how miraculous it was to see a British flag coming closer and closer to him and his fellow prisoners. Once confronted by British soldiers, the German soldiers surrendered to their British enemy, and Nicholas and his crew returned home to once again take up their lives.The GI Bill enabled Nicholas to attend college. He enrolled at his beloved Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He supported himself by working in the cafeterias and selling anything anyone would buy, from shoe strings to sport event pins. Nicholas majored in industrial arts education at OU, but by no means did he limit his college experience to books.Nicholas tried out for, and was selected to play for, OU's football team his freshman year. But after seeing that the cheerleaders where having what seemed to be a lot more fun on the sidelines than he was having, Nicholas abandoned his football aspirations, replacing them by becoming a member of the Ohio University cheer leading squad for his remaining three years at the school. His personality was suited to cheer leading, as well as to politics, and he once again was thrilled to have been elected into office. Nicholas was founder and served as President of the Ohio University Men's Independent Association for three years, and he was elected Student Body President his senior year.Upon graduation, Nicholas earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education and began his teaching career in Ashtabula, Ohio, where he taught English and Literature. One year later he was pleased to have been offered a teaching position with the Toronto City School District, where he remained teaching for thirty-five years before retiring. During his tenure in the Toronto City Schools, Nicholas earned a Master's Degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He taught several different subjects over the years. Nearest and dearest to his heart were industrial arts and Russian language, which he became certified to teach following a summer of study at Northwestern University. Other subjects taught by Nicholas included Ohio History, Social Studies, World History and World Geography. Outside the classroom, Nicholas enjoyed interacting with his students by coaching baseball and wrestling, acting as junior class advisor for many years, serving as equipment manager to the football team, acting as Russian club advisor, and driving school buses when needed.On the professional side, Nicholas was a lifetime member of the National Education Association, the Ohio Education Association, and the Ohio Association of Classroom Teachers. He was honored to have served as President of the Ohio Association of Classroom Teachers, taking a year's sabbatical to tour the state of Ohio in support of its teachers. Another professional honor bestowed upon Nicholas during his OACT presidency was his being selected to represent the United States at an International Teacher's Conference held in Kenya, Africa. Nicholas was always proud to be a part of the teaching profession, and remained inquisitive and supportive of students of every age until his passing.Nicholas truly was a "people person." He loved being involved in community organizations where he could make a difference by helping a neighbor or by brightening someone's day by telling one of the thousand jokes he shared over the years. Nicholas was a member of the Lion's club, the Booster Club, and a lifetime member of the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference. He served as an announcer for the Toronto Tigers semi-pro football team and for the Toronto Community Band, and he was proud to sing the National Anthem for Toronto American Legion's Post 86 baseball team.While teaching and community service were top priorities for Nicholas, the most important aspect in his life was unquestionably his faith. Nicholas was a member of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church, and previously a member of Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, both in Steubenville, Ohio. His strong devotion to God and his faith led to his ordination as a reader and subdeacon. Singing also played a very important role in Nicholas' church life. A lifelong church singer, he could be found singing with the choir in the loft on Sundays, or with his wife, family, and friends in the pews during the week. Serving outside the services, Nicholas taught many years of Sunday school, served as church president, vice president, treasurer, and trustee, and enjoyed being a member of the Serbian Men's Club. Nicholas was a loving, fun, generous father who also shared his love with his pets through the years; his dog, Igor, and cats, Mewsers and Blackie. Those who knew him would also agree that he could be tough, but fair. Friends also know that Nicholas' life revolved around God and the church. If there was a service scheduled, Nicholas and his wife, Olga, were going to do everything in their power to be in attendance. His children and grandchildren are eternally grateful for the living examples of faith demonstrated by their parents.Visitation for Nicholas will be held on Saturday, March 19 from 6-8pm and Sunday, March 20 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto, OH. A Pomen (Memorial) service will be held Sunday afternoon at 3:00pm. Funeral services for Nicholas will be held on Monday, March 21, at 11:00am at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church in Steubenville, OH with the Rev. Fr. Rade Merick officiating. There will be one hour of visitation in the church from 10-11am prior to the service. Burial will follow in Steubenville Union Cemetery. Military graveside honors will be provided by the Toronto American Legion Post # 86. www.jefosterfh.com

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