Peter Hirnikl

Peter Hirnikl went to be with the Lord on 12/16/24. Peter was born on 3/6/33 in Drenya, Croatia. He survived many hardships as a young boy including hunger and cold as he and his family became refugees in World War II. He lost sight in his right eye due to shrapnel exploding from a fire and was beaten by Russian soldiers. Through all of this he remained strong and accomplished his dream of coming to America in 1955- at 22 years of age. He had less than $2 in his pocket but worked hard and shared a home with several family members that had also migrated to America. He married Maria Albrecht on 10/22/60. He opened his own successful tire mold manufacturing company with several other partners in 1969 and retired in 2001. Peter loved fishing and owned a boat for several years that was docked in Catawba Island at Lake Erie. He enjoyed taking his children fishing and spending weekends all summer there. He also took 2 Alaska “boy only” trips which he talked about often. He brought back coolers of halibut. 

Preceding him in death are parents, Josef and Maria Hirnikl, Kathy Pum (sibling), Andreas Pum (brother-in-law), Hans Hirnikl (brother), Edward Bender (son-in-law) and nephews John Pum and Paul Ganz. Survived by children, Hildegard Bender, Gabriela Deiulis (Aldo), Robert Hirnikl (Amy). Grandchildren, Jessica Bender (Eric), Elliot Bender (Callie), Daniela Rosenberger (Nate), Ariana Fair (Chris), Spencer and Grant Hirnikl. Great grandchildren, Maizie and Rhett Rosenberger.

We would like to thank the nurses, aids and staff at the Gardens of Liberty Park who cared for our dad well. Also heartfelt thanks to Summa Hospice staff, especially Melissa, Stephanie and Olga for their compassionate care of Peter. 

Family and friends will be received Sunday, December 29th from 3 to 5 pm at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44312. Funeral service will begin at 5 pm. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery will be Monday, December 30th at 11 am. Procession will begin at the funeral home at 10:30 am.