Michael Fedorko Obituary

Devoted husband and father and long time resident of Colorado Springs. Mike passed away on June 18th, age 82, after a long and courageous battle with asbestosis. Preceded in death by wife Ann of 54 years, brothers John, Peter and Joseph, sisters Mary and Martha. Survived by son Michael III and wife Missy Epping of King Salmon, AK, and son Mark and wife Ann, grandchildren Rebecca and Rachel of Omaha; sisters Helen Latas Maynard, MA, Margaret Grabiec, Ocala, FL and Agnes Massimino Severna Park, MD. Master Chief Mine man MMCM (E-9) USN retired, having served 31 years, from May 1940 to November 1971. He began his career as a seaman assigned to the USS Idaho (BB-42) patrolling the North Atlantic from Hvalfjordur, Iceland. In 1942 he completed submarine school and was assigned as a Gunners mate to the USS HOE (SS-258) and later to the USS Sea Cat (SS-399) completing several war patrols on each in the South Pacific. He was the last member of the commissioning crew of USS Sea Cat (SS-399) to depart the ship. He went on to serve aboard five additional submarines, including the USS Perch, USS Threadfin, and the USS Sea Poacher. He later converted to Mine man and served the remainder of his career stationed at bases in the Mediterranean and the continental US. Mike and Ann transferred with their sons to Colorado Springs in 1969 where he eventually retired from the Navy. He went on to serve as a Regional Building Inspector for the city and eventually retired to become a superintendent for a large commercial construction firm. Mike and Ann relocated to Omaha in 2004. Mike was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer who loved the outdoors. He was a pillar of strength to all who knew him and will be sorely missed by those he leaves behind. Sailor, rest your oar. Private family service to be held at a later date.