HARMONY and BANGOR – Michael John Rebar, 89, died March 16, 2009. Broken hearted at the loss of his beloved wife of 65 years, Virginia, March 10, 2009, Michael died peacefully. He was born Sept. 30, 1919, in Throop, Pa., to Jan and Suzanna (Mandula) Rybar. He graduated from Throop High School and went to work in New York City before moving to Bridgeport, Conn. There, while working for the Remington Arms Co., he met his future wife, Virginia Weir. He entered the U.S. Army during World War II and served in the Air Corps. He married Virginia, March 1, 1944. Together they raised four children. He retired in 1979 after 35 years of service with Remington. After vacationing in Maine for many years Michael and Virginia moved to Harmony in 1982. At their farmm Mike was an active gardener, grew apples and raised beef and sheep. He loved to see his livestock grazing out his kitchen window. Burning wood and keeping the house warm were passions that he carried on every winter. More than anything, Michael loved his family, particularly his grandchildren who would frequently visit. They loved him dearly and will hold him in their heart’s forever. A lover of poetry, philosophy and languages, Mike often enjoyed sharing a verse with others in hopes of spreading happiness. He was proud of his eastern European heritage, but he always wished he was Irish too. Michael was honored to be a member of the Masons, Cambridge Lodge No. 157. Michael is survived by his children, Virginia Rebar of Harmony, Michael Rebar Jr. and wife, Joyce, of Monroe, Conn., Peter Rebar and wife, Violeta, of Harmony, and John Rebar and wife, Donna Miller, of Bangor; five grandchildren, Colleen Rebar, Jesse Rebar and fianc?e, Catty Garcia, of Connecticut, Ryan Rebar of Harmony, Alice Philbrick and Helen Rebar of Bangor; and a brother, John Rebar of Dunmore, Pa. The family thanks the staff of the Maine Veterans’ Home for their care of Michael during the last stage of his life. A private family memorial service will be held for Michael and Virginia later in the spring.
MICHAEL JOHN REBAR
