Michael K. Stanko, 60, died April 17,2013, peacefully in his sleep at his home in Elizabethtown       after a long battle with cancer.

Mike was the son of Frank C. and Dorothy M. (Serfass) Stanko. He was born in Philadelphia and grew up in West Lawn, Pa.

Mike was a graduate of Sacred Heart School in West Reading, Holy Name High School (class of 1970), and Penn State University (class of 1974), where he competed on the cross-country team and earned a BA in criminal justice.

Mike was the proud co-founder of the Athletic Attic stores in Berks and surrounding counties, and he served as Vice President and Director of the Athletic Attic Track Club, with which several Olympic athletes competed throughout the 1970's.

Mike, along with Muhlenberg coach Barrett Oxenrider, hosted several Olympic training programs for young athletes in Berks County, featuring such standouts as Olympians Marty Liquori, Dwight Stones, Greg Fredericks, Francie Larrieu, John Walker, Rod Dixon, Steve Scott, and Eamonn Coghlan.

When Athletic Attic closed its doors, Mike pursued a career in the United States Military, where he served the United States for fifteen years, retiring with commendations as a Staff Sergeant in 1996.

Mike's criminal justice degree served him well as he worked as a juvenile probation officer in Schuylkill County, and ended his career in the security division of Glaxo Pharmaceuticals, where he was employed until disabling heart surgery in 2009.

Diagnosed with cancer shortly thereafter, Mike fought the disease valiantly, keeping his unique sense of humor and buoying the spirits of his family, friends and caregivers.

Mike lived in Elizabethtown with his two Penn State fan cats, Simba and Molly, until he was no longer able to care for them. He was comforted by finding them a good adoptive home, said his final good byes to friends and family, and passed away peacefully in his sleep at home, which was his wish.

The family is grateful to Compassionate Care Hospice, and especially Kaci and Ellie; their caring ministry enabled Mike to stay in the home he loved.

Friends and family will remember Mike's willingness to help anyone, his unflagging sense of humor, his engaging personality, and most of all the love he had for his family.

Mike is survived and sorely missed by his brother, Ron, husband of Elaine; his stepmother Josephine Stanko, and his nieces and nephews Becky, Caty, Robby and Drew Stanko, of whom he was most proud.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Berks Catholic High School, 955 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611, or Sacred Heart School 701 Franklin Street, West Reading, Pa 19611.

Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.