Michael R. "Mike" Criqui

Michael R. "Mike" Criqui of Bloomsburg, age 66, passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2022 after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 14, 1956, in Berwick, a son of the late Richard "Dick" and Marie (Parpart) Criqui. In addition to his parents, Mike is predeceased by his sister, Patricia Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Wendy (Gobillot) Criqui; a son Christopher Criqui of Seattle, WA; a daughter Chelsea (Sullivan) Randolph of State College and her husband John, beloved grandchildren, Jaxon, Harper and Isla Randolph; a brother Richard Criqui and his wife Bethanne; two sisters Deborah Criqui and Donna Ogozalek and her husband Eric Riley, as well as his nieces and nephews, and many, loving friends who will miss him dearly. Mike was a lifelong resident of Bloomsburg, graduating from Central Columbia High School in 1974. He attended Bloomsburg University and upon graduation began working with his father at the family business, Central Penn Sewing Machine Company. Mike became the President upon his father's retirement in 1993. Despite increasing challenges within his industry, Mike made a way to keep the business flourishing, always thinking outside the box and ever mindful of the wellbeing of his family and his employees. Mike had many great loves in his life. He was a devoted son and brother, husband and father, boss and friend. Mike loved the outdoors and was active with the Boy Scouts of America with his son, Chris. Together they hiked over 300 miles of the Appalachian Trail, constructing road markers at intersections throughout Pennsylvania to make the trail easier to navigate. More recently, he supported Bike/Walk Bloomsburg, in an effort to make his hometown more bicycle friendly, as he and Wendy loved biking. Mike loved being "Papa" to his grandchildren, always involved in whatever their interests and looking for a way to sneak them ice cream. Aside from his friends and family, Mike's greatest love was music. He was a lifelong guitar player and had recently begun teaching himself the mandolin. This year he played in his first jamming sessions at a "Picking Party" with strangers-turned-friends in Belize and on a street corner in Asheville, as a member of MC2 with a fellow guitar playing buddy. He and his wife traveled up and down the east coast attending concerts with friends. All of his loved ones will surely have memories of enjoying music with Mike. Mike and Wendy made the very most of life and were always up for the next adventure. Mike loved to explore the food, beer, and music scene around their second home in Asheville, NC and never went long without booking their next vacation. In the last five years alone, Mike and Wendy visited England, Scotland, France, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Austria, Holland, Peru and Belize. In every photo, he had a smile on his face and a local IPA in hand! Mike's life was far too short, but it was rich and full, and his impact will be long lasting. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg. Funeral services will begin on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. with Pastor Donna Merow, officiating. Graveside committal services will immediately follow in Elan Memorial Park, Bloomsburg. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., is honored to be serving the Criqui family. Memorial contributions in Mike's name are suggested to: Agape of Bloomsburg, 851 Railroad St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or Appalachian Trail Conservancy, PO Box 807 Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.

Michael R. "Mike" Criqui

March 14, 1956 - September 8, 2022