Michael Elinski, Jr. (8), Commander Michael "Mike" Elinski, Jr., USN (Ret.) passed away peacefully from pancreatic cancer in Honolulu, HI, on the 26th of March 2011. He was 78 years old.

Born in, Wilkes Barre, PA, in 1932 Mike was one of nine children born to Michael and Apolonia Elinski, both deceased. He graduated from Coughlin High School and entered the Academy via Colombian Prep. and the Naval Reserve in 1952. While at the Academy Mike excelled at Russian and was a member of the Varsity Gymnastics Team. He graduated with the Class of 1956, as a member of the 8th Company.

Upon graduation, Mike reported to Bass (DD-887). After two years, Mike attended Submarine School and was assigned to Raton (AGSS-270) in 1958. Following data processing training in 1962 he reported to the Naval Data Processing Support Center Atlantic in early 1963 working on the Aegis Combat System. In 1965 Mike reported to the Thornback (SS-418) and served aboard for 15 months before reporting for his final tour in submarines as XO of Pickerel (SS-524) in 1966. Following Armed Forces Staff College in 1968 he served on the European Command Staff in Germany, during which he earned an MBA from the University of Utah. In 1974 Mike began his last tour as XO of the Naval Data Processing Support Center Pacific in Hawaii, retiring in 1977.

Upon retiring Mike entered the executive recruiting and out placement business, later establishing his own firm in Honolulu serving the IT, hotel and banking communities for over 25 years. He was a Deacon in the Central Union Church and a very active member of the Honolulu Chapter of Rotary International.

Mike was a strong believer in physical fitness, running in 18 marathons, playing golf regularly and working out religiously.

 

 Mike is survived by his wife the former Janet Pianka, his sisters Ann Groner and Catherine Mikuluk both of Rockville, MD and his brother Emil of Phoenix, MD, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mike and Janet would have been married 49 years in August and they both were looking forward to attending the 55th Reunion this year.

 

 Mike was cremated with some of his remains distributed in the park area adjacent to his home in Aiea, HI and the remainder interred in the Columbarium at the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. A private memorial service was conducted at the time of internment.