A proud patriot, Mike bravely served his country in the United States Army Military Police during the Korean Conflict. Following his military service, he dedicated 15 years as a machinist at the M&M Mars factory in Hackettstown, New Jersey, retiring at the remarkably young age of 55.
Retirement, however, was only the beginning of a full and accomplished life. Mike remained deeply involved in his community, serving as president of the Pleasant Valley Lake Committee and volunteering as a firefighter with the McAfee Fire Department in Vernon. He was also a proud member of American Legion Post 132 in Franklin, New Jersey, and Cub Scout Pack 90 in Franklin.
Mike was a man of many talents and hobbies. He was an avid gardener who enjoyed raising rabbits, a talented woodworker, and a passionate coin enthusiast. He loved keeping his mind sharp with puzzles, especially Sudoku and Mahjong. In the kitchen, Mike became famous among family and friends for his love of making homemade pierogies from scratch — meals that were always made with love and eagerly enjoyed by everyone around the table.
Some of Mike’s happiest moments were the simple ones: trips to the corner store with Evan to pick up scratch-offs, sharing laughs with family, and driving to the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa to play blackjack. Family meant everything to Mike. Even Abby, the family dog, could usually be found curled up in his lap patiently awaiting for a bite of his dessert.
Mike is predeceased by his beloved wife, Constance Joan Adams. He leaves fond memories to his beloved children, Michael (Diane), Kenneth (Jennifer), Robert (Lisa), Kathleen, and Cynthia. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian, Daniel, Alison, Jamie, Jillian, Kenneth, Kraig, Kurtis, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Joseph, Christopher, Stephanie, James, and Evan; as well as 21 cherished great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sturgill Hospice House through the link below.
Family and friends are invited to gather for Mike’s visitation on Sunday, June 7th from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860. A graveside service with military honors will take place the following day at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 8th at Glenwood Cemetery, 926 County Road 517 in Vernon Township.
Warm memories and condolences to Mike’s family may be offered below.
