Obituary of Michael J. Elenchik

Michael J. Elenchik Pine Bush, NY Michael J. Elenchik passed away on Sunday December 17, 2006 at Orange Regional Medical Center Horton Campus. He was 88 years old. He was born in West Virginia and was raised in Slovakia. He lived in NYC, Saratoga Springs, and Long Island. He spent several years in Rockland County and the past 30 years in Orange County. Survivors include his daughters Cindy Elenchik of Pine Bush, and Carol Kell of Walden There are three grandchildren Sarah, Russell and Christian. There are several nieces and nephews. He has an ex-wife Eleanor Kriedman of Middletown. He was predeceased by his brothers Joseph and John Elenchik, and his sisters Maria Sacharova and Ann Muchova. He served in the army in WWII for several years and achieved the rank of Technical Staff Sargent. He landed on the shore of Utah Beach on D-Day in the Battle of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Michael had the pleasure and honor of meeting General Eisenhower, General Patton, General Bradley, and General Mc Carthy. He received several medals and awards which are: The Bronze Star Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four bronze service stars, WWII Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge first award, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Expert Badge with Mortar Bar, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar. Also the first Bronze Star Medal and Rifle with Blue color background was awarded to Michael in St Lo, Normandy France 10 days after D-Day June 6, 1944. In his early years he owned a few restaurants. He was a draftsman for Espey in Saratoga Springs, NY. He also worked for Grumman Aircraft in Bethpage Long Island. He helped design electrical parts for the Apollo 11 that landed on the moon in 1969. He also worked for the NYS Thruway and retired in 1984. He had several hobbies and was very artistic. He made several wall clocks and wall plaques. He had a love of stained glass and made many Tiffany lamps, mirrors, picture frames, napkin holders crosses, etc. He enjoyed raising pigeons and had a love of birds. Michael was a very sweet, considerate, loving and generous man. He always put his family before himself and cared deeply for us. He was a hero at war and a hero to us at home. He was the best father in the whole wide world! We will miss him dearly. Visitation will be on Thursday Dec 21, 2006 from 2-4 & 6-8pm at The William M. Gagan Funeral Home,1525 Burlingham Road Pine Bush, NY. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday December 22, 2006 at 10:00am at Saint Paul’s RC Church, Rte 17K Bullville. Burial will take place in New Prospect Cemetery, Pine Bush, NY. Memorial contributions can be made to The Pine Bush Volunteer Ambulance Corp. PO Box 407 Pine Bush, NY 12566. For information and directions please visit www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com.