Michael Gigler

Michael R. "Mike" Gigler, of Mt. Lebanon, died on March 4, 2018 after a brief illness. A much-loved son, brother, father, uncle, counselor and friend to many, Mike faced his final days with the same humor, courage, grace and generosity of spirit that defined his entire life. He was born in Pittsburgh on August 26, 1945, the second child and eldest son of the late Raymond F. and Dolores C. Gigler. He graduated from St. Canice High School in 1963; after service in the U.S. Army he obtained his B.S. from Robert Morris University, his M.Ed. from Duquesne University and his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. He is survived by his children, Max of Austin, TX and Emily of Pittsburgh, of whom he was most proud; his sisters Karen Henwood of Ocala, FL; Jane Means of Mt. Lebanon; Lynn Gigler of Mt. Lebanon; and his brothers Dan Gigler and his wife Dotty of Mt. Lebanon; Stephen Gigler of Pittsburgh; and Jeffrey Gigler of Jacksonville, FL.; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Mike penned his own epitaph, writing of his family with characteristic humility: "He loved them all neither wisely nor too well, but they nevertheless gave him his happiest moments by their acceptance and humor. Aside from his family, Mike would join no organization that would have him as a member, but after military service he worked as a rehabilitation, mental health and addictions counselor, hoping such service made up for some of his other lapses in the grand scheme of things. He had no organized religious beliefs but maintained a fervent hope of reincarnation, as he would dearly like a do-over. Failing that, he did not regret his time in the light between the darknesses, and hoped not many others regretted it overly much." Mike passed away in the loving embrace of his family, who not only did not regret his "time in the light" but are eternally grateful for his presence in their lives. Visitation with Mike's family will take place at William Slater II Funeral Services, 1650 Greentree Road, Scott Twp. on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 4-8 PM, with a Service of Remembrance and Thanks at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike's name will be accepted with appreciation by Gateway Rehab, 311 Rouser Road, Moon Township, PA 15108 ( www.gatewayrehab.org.); or by Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 50 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 (http://www.familyhospicepa.org/).