Michael Laicha made his journey home to God on the Feast of St. Nicholas, December 6, 2022. Michael was born on January 8, 1935 and is the son of the late Martin and Hermina (Ondrejiscka) Laicha.

Michael came from humble beginnings. He graduated from Lebanon High School in 1953. He married his sweetheart Mary Langes on August 29, 1959. He retired from Hershey Chocolate Factory after 40 years of service as a company man. He has been a lifetime member of St. Benedict the Abbot Catholic Church formerly SS. Cyril and Methodius Church in Lebanon. He along with his Brother John always took on more: a small paint job at the Church turned into painting the entire Church. A patch job on the school roof turned into resurfacing the entire school roof. He and his brothers like St. Nick would do what they could to assist a neighbor in need. Michael worked hard to support his family doing odd jobs like cleaning scrap metal. He enjoyed hunting, playing cards and socializing at local establishments. He was often known by his friends as "Abby."

He took pride in building his "retirement home with his wife Mary, built by their son in law Bob some 20 years ago. With grandchildren he learned to relax. Looking forward to extended family vacations at Stone Harbor, NJ along with getaways with his daughter's family in New York. He was his grandchildren's biggest fan at sporting events, dance recitals, concerts and special events. He was so proud of their achievements and saved everything; programs, tickets, favors and alike as a reminder of special times together. He loved going to Mass with his granddaughter Maria who lived locally and every Sunday would light candles and say a prayer for his grandchildren in New York. He enjoyed traveling with his son Fr. Mike to Notre Dame Games and was a member of St. Cyril's Polka Pals.

In later years his faith became stronger and he swapped roles with his wife. He was now the caregiver: documenting blood pressures and sugar readings, preparing lunch, doing laundry keeping his vow to love, honor, and cherish all the days of his life. Their love story is like no other. From rocky early days to that of gentleness, compassion and love.

He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Mary Ann & spouse Dr. Paul Hospodar, son Fr. Michael Laicha, daughter Barbara Brandt ( Bob) Grandchildren Paul, Sarah, Nicholas Hospodar and Maria, Danny (Faith), Nicholas (Angie) Brandt and great grandchildren Olivia, Sophia, Nicholas Brandt in addition to several, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Michael is preceded by his parents; Hermina and Martin Laicha, sister; Anna (Rollman), and brothers; Baby John, Tom, Martin, Joseph and John, and son in law Bob Brandt. ​

The family wishes to thank the Surgical Trauma Team and Palliative Care Team at Penn State Milton Hershey Medical Center for their care shown to Michael during his brief stay.

Special thanks to our parent's Caregivers Joan, Ruby & Theresa and Sue, and my parent's neighbors Cory & Heather, Jeremiah & Candice and the other angels who shared their kindness to our parents through the years. God Bless you!

A Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated by Michael's son, Father Michael Laicha, will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 13, at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, 120 East Lehman Street, Lebanon, Pa 17046. Interment with full military honors will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to Mass from 10:00-11:00 AM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael's name can be made to his home parish: St. Benedict the Abbot Catholic Church 1300 Lehman Street, Lebanon, PA 17046.

Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com