Michael Walczyszyn Jr.

U.S. Marine Corps
1966-1969
Vietnam

Michael Walczyszyn Jr. was born in Austria on September 19, 1948 to Michael Sr. and Maria Telipska, Ukrainian Nationals who met as prisoners of war in a Nazi work camp. He emigrated to the United States in 1951 with his parents and sisters, Marie and Joanne. The family settled in Lower Manhattan.

Mike spent his entire life serving the country that gave his family freedom. When he was 17, his mother signed a waiver granting him permission to join the Marine Corps and enter the war in Vietnam. He served in Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Platoon, 1st Marines (Alpha 1/1) from 1966-1969, achieving the rank of Lance Corporal. Most notably, he was involved in the TET Offensive in the Battle of Hue City, where he
earned several medals.

Upon returning to the States, Michael married his sweetheart, MaryJane Amadeo. They had two children, Michael and Angela. Mike joined the ranks of the New York Police Department in 1973 and served the City of New York faithfully for 28 years, retiring as a Sergeant. They relocated to South Beach in 1977. He also served in the National Guard and Army Reserves.

Mike was a Eucharistic Minister in Holy Rosary Church, a two time Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus Madonna Council, and a member of the Marine Corps League and American Legion. He loved Doo Wop music, Atlantic City and the NY Yankees. He had an amazing sense of humor that carried a room, and an easygoing personality that put everyone around him at ease. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

Mike passed away on November 8, 2019 in a tragic accident on his way to the Marine Corps Ball, which he attended annually. He joined his beloved wife Janie in heaven, who predeceased him in 2012.


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