Michael "Mike" L. Slivinski peacefully passed away at the age of 87 at home with his family. He was born June 12, 1927 in Linden, N.J. to Maryon (Mike) and Mary A. (Stalowski) Slivinski.

After graduating from high school, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 where he served as an Aviation Machinist Mate, flying aboard PBSs and PBIWs. He was honorably discharged on Oct 27, 1947. Two days later, he started what turned out to be a 42 year career with GAF Chemicals Corporation, retiring in 1989.

Mike was an active parishioner of his church in Linden where he was Captain of the Parish Ushers and past President of the Holy Name Society. He was 4th degree Knight and Past Grand Knight of the Linden Knights of Columbus, Council #2559. He organized many trips for the church with two of the most memorable being the trip to Poland, Germany and the Vatican where he and the group had a private audience with Pope John Paul II in 1980 and the second trip going to the Holy Land and to the Vatican where he and the group again had a private audience with Pope John Paul II in 2000.

Mike was recognized by the tri-state readers of the weekly, Polish American World, when they voted him as their Citizen of the Year in 1988. He was the overwhelming choice of the delegates from NJ, NY and Connecticut for the position of Grand Marshal of the 1989 Pulaski Day parade in NYC. A lifetime Democrat, Mike was a member of many political, patriotic, civic, veterans and fraternal organizations.

Mike and Jean moved to Maitland, Florida in June 2004. He was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Altamonte Springs. He also participated in the warm-water therapy group, sponsored by the City of Altamonte Springs.

Mike was predeceased by his wife, Jean. He is survived by 2 grandchildren, daughter Andrea (Ernie) Cooper and Son, Michael (Cheryl) R. Slivinski; 4 grandchildren-grandsons Jonathan Cooper (Jo-Ann), Michael A. Slivinski (Melissa), Steven Slivinski, Granddaughter, Shannon Slivinski and great-grandson Anthony Slivinski.

Visitation will be on Saturday, November 1st 2014 from 10-11am followed by a funeral mass at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Altamonte Springs, FL. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Hospice of the Comforter, 480 West Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.