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Michael M. Stachnik Jr. of Speonk died on September 6. He was 80.
Born on May 10, 1929, to Michael and Catherine Stachnik, he was the youngest of five children, and at age 16 he began raising ducks and turkeys on the Stachnik family farm. Family members recalled this week his 40 years of dedication to the farm and also how he helped to build the Stachnik East River Marina. Mr. Stachnik was also employed at the Brookhaven National Laboratory and continued to work there until his retirement in 1991.
Survivors spoke about his devout faith and involvement in the St. John the Evangelist Church of Center Moriches, where he was an usher for 30 years and remained an active member of the Catholic Youth Organization. Mr. Stachnik was also a member of the Eastport Fire Department for 62 years and a member of the Knights of Columbus and Loyal Order of the Moose.
After his retirement, survivors said, he spent much of his time helping others and bringing coffee and a smile to friends nearby.
Mr. Stachnik is survived by his wife of 52 years, Evelyn Stachnik of Speonk; three sons, Mark Stachnik of Speonk, Michael Stachnik and his wife Kathy of Westhampton, and Marty Stachnik and his friend Kathryn Alexander of Quogue; and a daughter Michele LeVasseur and her husband Steve of Eastport.
He is also survived by two granddaughters, Kristen and Dana, who fondly called him “PaPops”.
Services were held at the Follett & Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach on September 9. A mass was held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Quiogue on September 10. Interment followed at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Center Moriches.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Eastport Fire Department, 21 Union Avenue, Eastport, NY 11941; Our Lady Queen of Apostles School in Center Moriches, 25 South Ocean Avenue, Center Moriches, NY 11934; or St. Francis Hospital, 100 Port Washington Boulevard, Roslyn, NY 11576 would be appreciated by the family.
on Sep 28, 2009