Michael Edward Filanowski, of Grasonville, Maryland, died December 7, 2010 of natural causes. He was 89 years old. Michael was born September 26, 1921, in Saint Clair, Pennsylvania, to John Francis Filanowski and Apoloniae (Pauline) Tubiak Filanowski. He proudly served his Country in the United States Marine Corps from 1942 to 1951 and fought overseas in both World War II and The Korean War. Throughout his life, he cherished the bonds and friendships that were forged during his time as a Marine. Prior to joining the Marine Corps, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Colorado. Upon his return from overseas, he came to Washington, DC, where he married the love of his life and started a family. A carpenter by trade until retirement, he settled his family in the Town of Edmonston in Hyattsville, Maryland, which he called home for nearly 49 years.

A beloved family man, Michael is preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Betty Louise Jacoby Filanowski. He is also preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank, Leon, and Louis; and sisters, Agnes, Josephine, Mary, Frances and Florence. He is survived by a sister, Albina Filanowski Duffy, and a brother, Anthony Filanowski. Also surviving are his three children; Rebecca Filanowski Burner, Mary Filanowski Rogers and Matthew Filanowski; sons-in-law, Gene Burner and John Rogers; and daughter-in-law, Cynthia Filanowski. He had seven grandchildren, Kelly Burner Hallam, Dawn Filanowski Atwood, Laura Filanowski Showalter, Amy and Jonathan Rogers, and Melissa and Stephanie Burner; and seven great-grandchildren, Lena and Brett Hallam; Aidan, Evan and Kendall Atwood; and Olivia and Cole Showalter. He was always happiest when surrounded by his family.

Michael passed peacefully, at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland, with his three children by his side, and to all who knew him, it is only fitting that he died on one of the most important military days in our Country's history, the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. And in the hours leading up to his death, as he reflected on his life, he said proudly to his family, "It was a good ride!" Michael will be dearly missed and remembered with love always.

Friends may visit on Friday December 10, 2010 from 6-8pm at the Barranco & Sons, P.A Severna Park Funeral Home 495 Ritchie Hwy. Severna Park, MD 21146. Services will be held on Saturday December 11, 2010 at 2:00pm in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the U.S. Marine's Toys for Tots Foundation, www.toysfortots.org.

Online Condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com