Michael Timothy Loya, 69, fell asleep in the Lord Sunday, April 25, 2016, at his residence in Salisbury, Md. He was born Jan. 25 1947, in McKeesport, the eleventh son and youngest child of 17 children of the Rev. Stephen and Pani Margaret Boksay Loya, matriculating through the schools of Holy Name, Duquesne, St. Fidelis, Herman, SS Cyril & Methodius Seminary and graduated from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, with a Bachelor of Science degree in philosophy. He pursued a vocation as an iconographer of the Eastern Church. His work is known nationally and his reputation as master iconographer internationally. As taught by his instructors and ascetics, he would fast and pray as he worked on an icon project never signing his work, maintaining the glory belongs to God. Deeply committed to his Eastern Christian faith, his melodious voice served as cantor in his home parish and in many locations. He would spend relaxing time at the piano as an accomplished pianist, if not listening to classical music. Preceded by death are his parents, two sisters in their infancy and brothers, Frank, Paul, Rev. John M. and Joseph. He is survived by brothers, Stephen, Andrew and Rev. Daniel, each of Dawson, Eugene (Nicholette), Theodore, of New Jersey, Lawrence (Bernadette), of Florida, and sisters, Mary Najeski, of Pittsburgh, Helen Hvasta, of Florida, Anna Jane (Thomas) Petty, of New Jersey, and Katherine (William), Killian, Ohio; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins in the States and in Europe.

Michael's family is receiving friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2016, in BLAIR LOWTHER FUNERAL HOME, 305 Rear Independence St., Perryopolis. Parastas will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Michael will be transferred to St. Nicholas Church, Perryopolis, on Monday, May 2, 2016, where a viewing will be from 10 to 11 a.m., the hour of Divine Liturgy of the deceased, which will be celebrated by the Rev. Ronald Larko and clergy of the family. Interment will be at Mt. St. Macrina Cemetery, Uniontown.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Nicholas Church, Perryopolis, Mt. St. Macrina or SS Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Pittsburgh. Eternal rest, grant to your servant Michael, O Lord, and make his memory eternal for Christ is risen. Online condolences are welcome at www.blair-lowther.com.

(Published in Greensburg Tribune Review on Apr. 29, 2016)