1927
Michael
2012
Michael Joseph Steflovich
December 31, 1927 — May 12, 2012
It is with great sadness that the family of Michael Steflovich have to announce his passing. On Saturday, May 13, 2012, at the age of 84, Michael passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him.
Michael was born on December 31, 1927 in New York City, New York, to Julia and John Steflovich. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the Navy and was honorably discharged after WWII ended. After his time in the Navy he became a NYC Firefighter where he spent 30 years retiring at the rank of Captain. During his last years as Captain, he initiated an Emergency Medicine and Paramedic Training Program, for the NYC Police and Fire Departments. Thousands have graduated from the program which was adopted by fire and police departments across the nation. Nearing his retirement he decided to pursue a career as a trauma nurse and enrolled at Hunter College, NY, where he completed his Masters Degree in Nursing. As a trauma nurse he served in some of the busiest trauma care centers and hospitals in the nation.
He moved to Florida in 1983, where he continued his second career as Trauma Nurse in the ER at Lake Shore Hospital until 1992. After 1992, He continued as Trauma Nurse in various hospitals wherever his wife of 37 years, Melina was stationed on active duty with the US Army Nurse Corps.
In 1996 when she retired, he decided to “hang up his gloves” and spend time with Melina living the “RV Life” traveling and seeing the country first hand. Mike, Melina and their 5 toy poodles enjoyed their many adventures and travels through the country.
Michael served in numerous organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Christian Firefighters Assn., Uniformed Fire Officers Assn., Suwanee River Valley MOAA and SMART (Special Military Active and Retired Traveler Club), The American Legion and The DAV Auxiliary.
Michael will be truly missed and remembered by his loving wife Melina, his children; Judy, Theresa, Carol and Michael, Mark his stepson , numerous nieces and nephews and his sister Anne Swiston.
Michael will also be fondly remembered by his four grandchildren and three great grandchildren
A million words could never explain the extraordinarily rare person that he was. He was defined by his actions, his unyielding love, loyalty, and dedication to his family and friends. He had a heart big enough to care for the world. Michael will be sincerely missed and forever remembered.
Those who were touched by him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His genuine smile and the warmth of his heart brought so much joy to his family and friends. He was a true inspiration to the community of people whose lives he touched every day with his gentle spirit and positive outlook on life. We wish Michael a peaceful journey, and rest easy knowing that he held a strong faith with God.
A Celebration of Michael's life will be held on Friday, May 18, 2012, at 3 P.M. at Epiphany Catholic Church, 1937 SW Epiphany Ct. Lake City, FL 32055, with Father Mike Pendergraft and Father Rob Trujillo officiating.
Visitation will be held at Guerry Funeral Home at 2659 W. Main Blvd. Lake City, FL 32025 from 6 :00 to 8:00 PM. on Wednesday and Thursday, May 16 & 17, 2012.
Memorial donations in memory of Michael can be made to:
Epiphany Catholic School
1937 SW Epiphany Ct.
Lake City, FL 32055
Michael was born on December 31, 1927 in New York City, New York, to Julia and John Steflovich. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the Navy and was honorably discharged after WWII ended. After his time in the Navy he became a NYC Firefighter where he spent 30 years retiring at the rank of Captain. During his last years as Captain, he initiated an Emergency Medicine and Paramedic Training Program, for the NYC Police and Fire Departments. Thousands have graduated from the program which was adopted by fire and police departments across the nation. Nearing his retirement he decided to pursue a career as a trauma nurse and enrolled at Hunter College, NY, where he completed his Masters Degree in Nursing. As a trauma nurse he served in some of the busiest trauma care centers and hospitals in the nation.
He moved to Florida in 1983, where he continued his second career as Trauma Nurse in the ER at Lake Shore Hospital until 1992. After 1992, He continued as Trauma Nurse in various hospitals wherever his wife of 37 years, Melina was stationed on active duty with the US Army Nurse Corps.
In 1996 when she retired, he decided to “hang up his gloves” and spend time with Melina living the “RV Life” traveling and seeing the country first hand. Mike, Melina and their 5 toy poodles enjoyed their many adventures and travels through the country.
Michael served in numerous organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Christian Firefighters Assn., Uniformed Fire Officers Assn., Suwanee River Valley MOAA and SMART (Special Military Active and Retired Traveler Club), The American Legion and The DAV Auxiliary.
Michael will be truly missed and remembered by his loving wife Melina, his children; Judy, Theresa, Carol and Michael, Mark his stepson , numerous nieces and nephews and his sister Anne Swiston.
Michael will also be fondly remembered by his four grandchildren and three great grandchildren
A million words could never explain the extraordinarily rare person that he was. He was defined by his actions, his unyielding love, loyalty, and dedication to his family and friends. He had a heart big enough to care for the world. Michael will be sincerely missed and forever remembered.
Those who were touched by him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His genuine smile and the warmth of his heart brought so much joy to his family and friends. He was a true inspiration to the community of people whose lives he touched every day with his gentle spirit and positive outlook on life. We wish Michael a peaceful journey, and rest easy knowing that he held a strong faith with God.
A Celebration of Michael's life will be held on Friday, May 18, 2012, at 3 P.M. at Epiphany Catholic Church, 1937 SW Epiphany Ct. Lake City, FL 32055, with Father Mike Pendergraft and Father Rob Trujillo officiating.
Visitation will be held at Guerry Funeral Home at 2659 W. Main Blvd. Lake City, FL 32025 from 6 :00 to 8:00 PM. on Wednesday and Thursday, May 16 & 17, 2012.
Memorial donations in memory of Michael can be made to:
Epiphany Catholic School
1937 SW Epiphany Ct.
Lake City, FL 32055
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