He would have told you he had a good life. His family will tell you he was so very loved and will be greatly missed!

Michael Slywczuk, Jr. passed away peacefully in his home on February 12th at the age of 73.

He is survived by Linda, his loving wife of 50 years; his sister Kathryn Hartlaub; his daughters Christine Slywczuk and Jaclyn Talarico; his son-in-law Joseph Talarico; Richard Martini; and his six grandchildren Adrienne and Lauren Martini; and Maya, Paige, Bodhi, and Anya Talarico.

Michael was born on December 12, 1946 in Altoona, PA to Michael and Ann (Melynk) Slywczuk. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Rose Marie Kauffman.

Michael served in the United States Air Force for eight years. After proudly serving his country, Michael and his wife Linda settled in Dallastown, PA. He worked in the trucking industry as a terminal manager and then dispatcher before retiring. He took great satisfaction in working hard and providing well for his family.

Michael was a generous man who showed his abundant love by sharing his time and talents. He helped his daughters and their families by adding his skills to endless projects from building decks and fences to painting to even building a playhouse for his grandchildren. If there was something to do to improve the quality of his kids' and his grandchildren's lives, Michael was there and willing to help.

He loved his six grandchildren, and he was a terrific Pappy. His grandchildren remember him as "kind-hearted," and "loving." They were the light of his life, and he made sure they knew it!

When asked what he might like to say about Michael, his son-in-law Joe said that Mike was "like a father to him, a mentor, and a friend." Working on many home projects together over the years, Joe said Mike taught him it is "okay to make mistakes but that you always must be willing to try." By his actions, he also taught Joe that "family always comes first."

In addition to his family, Michael loved his puppies, Maggie and Lucy. They followed him everywhere. He enjoyed watching Fox News and staying current with the politics of the day. If he could vote in the 2020 election, he would enthusiastically vote for Trump. He loved to garden, and his yard was impeccable. He loved the beauty of flowers and trees, and he had an eye for landscaping. He loved to watch birds and squirrels and always made sure his yard was a haven for them. Likewise, he made sure his home was well-cared for and inviting. Each year, he planted beautiful flowers and a small vegetable garden. His grandchildren were always excited to pick the cherry tomatoes at Pappy's, climb Pappy's favorite Japanese Maple tree, and swing on the tire swing he hung especially for them.

Michael will be honored in a small private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations could be sent to either the S.P.C.A or St. Jude Children's Hospital, both are organizations Michael respected.

Whether he was called Michael, Mike, Dad, or Pappy, he was such an important influence on the those he loved. He left an imprint on our hearts that we will carry with us always!