John Michael Slavish, Army veteran
John Michael Slavish, 79, of Lewes, passed away Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, at Accent Care Hospice Center in Wilmington after a prolonged illness.
John was born in Lewistown, Pa., and graduated from Dickinson High School and University of Delaware, where he played on the football team. John’s love of the Blue Hens never wavered and he remained a loyal fan.
After graduating from University of Delaware, John served his country by enlisting in the Army, where he became an Army ranger serving in Germany and completing two tours of duty in Vietnam. Like many veterans, John rarely talked about the serious side of his time in the Army. However, coming from a large family, he liked to joke that the Army provided all the milk and SOS (cream-chipped beef) he wanted without running out! Not surprisingly, John was known for his humor and filled the room with laughter when he was around. He liked to make people laugh, telling stories, talking about his Ukrainian and Irish heritage, and spending time at the beach with his wife. He also enjoyed sharing a good full moon with his friends.
After serving in the military, John worked for various industries. He loved politics and was active in local politics in Plymouth Township before retiring to Lewes. John spent his spare time in Lewes transporting developmentally disabled adults to and from The Georgetown Center. He joked with the clients and called them his kids. John was known by many as Big John, not only for his stature but for his big heart.
John was predeceased by his parents John J. and Betty M. Slavish; brothers Gerard, Joseph, William and Stephen; and his sister Jane. He is survived by children: John J. and Melena; his brother, Robert, and his sister, Mary Anne.
John will be greatly missed by family and friends, but most of all by his beloved wife of 39 years, Patricia A. Krajczynski, who cared for him with true love and devotion. He will also be missed by his killer canine and constant companion, his faithful Boston terrier Moxie.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Dr., Lewes. Entombment will be private.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
John’s family would like to thank the staff at AccentCare for the attentive and compassionate care they provided to him as he neared the end of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project, Donor Care Center, P.O. Box 785541, Topeka, KS 66675-8541.
Visit John’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
