Mike Lewis
Carrying on a family tradition of providing families with compassionate, dedicated and dignified funerals as President/Supervisor of Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home has been Mike Lewis’s life work. After spending his early years in Erie, Mike moved as a child with his family to Warren. Originating with Mike’s father, the Lewis family has been dedicated to faithfully serving their community in the oldest established funeral home in Warren, purchased by his father in 1972 and later by Mike and his wife, Lisa, in 1997. Faith and prudent financial management are part of every day at work for Mike, a meaningful parallel to board service at the Catholic Foundation. The Foundation’s mission inspires Mike as a way to help “keep our churches and schools and Catholic charities strong in the future,” he says. “Keeping our Catholic community in good financial order provides for the mission of our church.”
Mike and his wife are parishioners at Holy Redeemer Parish where he served previously on the pastoral council and currently serves on its finance council. He is also a member of the Warren Knights of Columbus. For the Lewises, joining in the mission of the Catholic Foundation included their recent decision to establish the Michael and Lisa Vavala Lewis Family Endowment for Saint Joseph Cemetery through the Foundation. The endowment will support the perpetual care and upkeep of Saint Joseph Cemetery in Warren.
Marie and Mike Vereb
A long-time professional peer and friend of Mike Vereb’s, Jim Martin, first introduced him to the mission of the Catholic Foundation. It wasn’t long after that Mike and his wife, Marie, decided to plan a charitable gift to the Foundation in their will. When asked about her first impression of the Foundation, Marie recalls, “When my husband, Mike, and I attended our first Legacy Society event years ago, we were both impressed with the mission of the Catholic Foundation.” She continues, “I distinctly recall leaving the event and expressing my interest to him about volunteering with the Foundation in some capacity.” Mike’s career as an accomplished insurance professional, now as Erie Market Leader at The Reschini Group, drew him into board service over the years. “My perspective and involvement serving on Catholic grade school and high school boards for the last eleven years will be helpful in the Catholic Foundation's mission of creating an impact that supports Catholic values,” Mike describes. As CFO/Treasurer of Organ Supply Industries, Inc., Marie’s professional expertise aligns with board service also. “When we were approached to join the Board as a couple, we viewed this as a unique opportunity serve in our faith community and grow together in our faith” she says. “We welcome the opportunity at this time of our lives and hope the skills we have acquired through our professional lives will be beneficial to the Catholic Foundation.”
Both Marie and Mike are quick to share how important faith is in their lives. Marie offers, “My Catholic Faith has always been the guiding light in my life. I would not be who I am or where I am today without my faith in God.” Mike’s motivation to serve also runs deep. “My parents were both heavily involved at Saint Gregory Parish in North East. My mother worked at the school for over 20 years and my father held board and committee positions at the school and church for over 40 years. Without question it was their example that led me to be involved.”
Growing up in Girard, Marie’s family was active at Saint John the Evangelist Parish. The same was true for Mike in North East at Saint Gregory Thaumaturgus Parish. The Vereb’s two children attended Our Lady of Peace School and Cathedral Prep. They are members of Saint Patrick Parish in Erie.
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