Michael Hritz, 78, Instrumental in inventing the Creepy Crawler and Vacu-Form

Mr. Hritz was born February 17, 1926 in Cleveland and had lived for the past 10 years in Sheffield Village.

Mr. Hritz was a graduate of James Rhodes High School, Cleveland and was a WWII Army Veteran. He worked as a pattern maker for Motor Pattern, Cleveland. He was instrumental in inventing and having patens for the Creepy Crawler and the Vacu-Form.

He was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, Avon and enjoyed Fishing and Boating.

Mr. Hritz is survived by his wife, Mary "Marie" (nee Gubanich). Other survivors include sons: Dr. Michael Hritz (Karen) of Avon, Mark Hritz (Renee) of Parma, Matthew Hritz of Sheffield Village, Dr. Martin Hritz ,Capt. US Army Reserve (Dolly) of Columbia Station and daughters: Mary Olson (Curtis) of Vista CA and Melanie Hillenbrand (Scott) of Westlake. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Jennifer, Allison, David, Jenelle, Daniel, Eric Salena, Amelia and Zachary and a sister Margaret Tomasko of Middleburg Heights.

He is preceded in death by his parents: John and Mary (nee Miko) Hritz; and sisters: Ann Hritz, Mary Danko and Elizabeth Butcher.

Friends may call at the Busch Funeral Home, 32000 Detroit Rd., Avon, Wednesday, November 3, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A prayer service will be at the Funeral Home, Thursday, October 4 at 9:15 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, 2640 Stoney Ridge Road, Avon at 10:00 a.m. Fr. Thomas Cleaton of the Church will officiate. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park.