Michael “Mike” Sawka, 92, passed away on Monday, May 9, 2016.
Mike is survived by his two sons, Michael Sawka Jr. (and his wife Elaine) of Mendham, NJ, Kenneth Sawka (and his wife Kathi Ann) of Andover, MA; four grandsons, Justin, Christian, Nicholas and Brett; his brother Thomas Sawka of Wilkes-Barre, PA, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his dear wife, Irma, in 2003.
Mike was born on April 13, 1924, in the Buttonwood section of Wilkes-Barre, PA. After graduating high school, Mike served in the United States Army, including a two-year stint in the China-Burma-India theatre during World War II, after which he was honorably discharged in March 1946. Upon returning to Wilke-Barre, Mike met and married Irma (Scaramucci) Sawka. They were inseparable and devoted 54 years of life to each other.
In 1952, Mike and Irma, along with other members of the Scaramucci family, moved to Port Washington, where they established strong roots for more than 50 years. Mike was an extremely hardworking crane oiler with Gotham Sand & Stone at the Port Washington sand banks, a volunteer fireman with Atlantic Hook & Ladder, an ambulance driver, a St. Peter’s Church usher and devoted Knights of Columbus member. Mike also made the time to coach his sons’ little league teams and contributed to a wide range of annual community events and fundraisers. “Volunteer” should have been Mike’s middle name. He never expected anything in return.
Mike enjoyed many sports and was an avid bowler, golfer and walker. He also enjoyed cooking, was the source of much laughter at parties and social events and was a household handyman who always offered his services to family and friends. While strong and steadfast, Mike was a simple man of trust and honor; the truest of gentlemen who treated everyone he met with respect and an infectious, unending smile. He will be lovingly and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.
Memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in memory of both Mike and Irma Sawka.
