Charles Virag

Charles Virag,90, of Natrona Heights, passed away after a lingering illness Thursday, July 13, at Allegheny Valley Life Care, surrounded by his family. Born Sept. 12, 1926, in West Natrona, he was the son of the late John and Caroline (Pokrivka) Virag. He had been a resident of this area all his life. Charles attended Har Brack High School. Mr. Virag had been married for 67 years to Nellie (Thome) Virag, who passed away Jan. 25, 2017. Charles served as a sergeant during World War II. He was stationed in both the Philippines and Japan and received the Battle Star in the First Armored Calvary as a tank commander. Prior to his retiring from PPG, Creighton, in 1988, he worked as a windshield manufacturer for 45 years. Mr. Virag was a faifful member of St. Joseph Parish, Natrona. He enjoyed all sports, especially those in which his children and grandchildren were involved. He coached American Legion baseball and was the Little League baseball coach of the 1955 team which placed fourth in the state of Pennsylvania. He is survived by his children, Charles Virag (Pamela), of Tarentum, David Virag (Karen), of Fawn Township, Barbara Claybrooks (Van), of Virginia, Karen Gladowski (Danny), of Natrona Heights, Marilyn Robbins (Bill), of Virginia, Jim Virag (Robin), of Saxonburg, Mary Joan Boda (George), of Brackenridge, Patty Allison (Glenn), of Natrona Heights, Mark Virag (Barbara), of Natrona Heights, Richard Virag (Denise), of Lower Burrell, Debbie Patton (Rodney), of Allegheny Township, and Scott Virag (Jessica), of North Carolina; 22 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers, John Virag, of Natrona Heights, and Thomas (JoAnn) Virag, of Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie; sister, Mary Ann Serbin; and his parents.
The family and friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 15, and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 16, at CICHOLSKI-ZIDEK FUNERAL HOME, 1522 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights, Pa. 15065 (724-224-8688). Parting prayers will be held at 9:15 a.m. Monday July 17, at the funeral home followed by a Christian funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Ladislaus Church, Natrona, with the Rev. Thomas Gillespie officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery Yatesboro.
The family suggests that contributions in memory of Charles be made to St. Joseph Parrish, 1526 Union Ave., Natrona Heights, Pa. 15065.