For 58 years Rafael Beresh tended to "Big Mike."
That was the name given long ago to the clock located high on the steeple at St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church in Donora.
Beresh maintained and repaired the timepiece, sometimes making needed parts himself. Every spring and fall he set the time to coincide with the changes occurring with daylight savings time.
Folks in town grew to depend on Big Mike as it tolled out the number of hours accurately from one through 12, day and night.
Then, in late October, the timekeeper passed away.
Being that he was so much more than the custodian of Big Mike, Beresh attracted quite a crtowd to his funeral.
The archbishop of the Metropolitan Byzantine Archdiocese, Basil M. Schott, came to celebrate the funeral Mass. Two former pastors, Rev. John Borodach and Rev. David Shortt, came in from Ohio. The Rev. Kevin Marks and Deacon John Hanchin also participated in the service, along with the current parish administrator, the Rev. James Ragan.
There were many poignant moments during Mass, especially as Beresh's son, Rafael, from Vancouver, Wash., sang responses to the liturgy.
But ever so chilling was the part played by Big Mike.
As Father Ragan began delivering the eulogy, telling the mourners about the deceased's dedication to his church in so many ways, including taking care of the air conditioning and heating system, Big Mike began to sound 11 times. That was an intense reminder that the clock was one of Beresh's main priorities.
Beresh loved to sing. He offered his talents to the church choir and performed cantor duties for many years. He also sang with the former Mon Valley Byzantine Male Chorus and in recent years joined with three other retired steelworkers to form a quartet.
He belonged to the Holy Name and Sacred Heart societies of the church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Bishop Phelan Council and K of C Bishop Elko Council. He was active with the Greek Catholic Union, Donora Historical Society and Amateur Radio Club.
A veteran of World War II, he was awarded several medals and belonged to the Sea Bees.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He and his wife of 58 years, Dorothy, had four sons and two daughters. There are 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
St. Michael's was filled with relatives and friends who had come to say a last farewell.
No one noticed the time - except Big Mike.
As the casket was being carried from the church, big Mike sounded 12 times.
