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MICHAEL HERNACKI Obituary

Michael Hernacki Melbourne Michael James Hernacki, 63, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Friday, July 29, 2011. He was born on August 20, 1947 in Ferndale, Michigan and moved to Florida at age 14. He graduated from Melbourne High School in 1967. Mike was a Vietnam Veteran, having served in the 5th Cavalry, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 1967-1968. He was drafted in his last year of high school. Returning home, he spent time in the reserves and was honorably dis charged in 1975 with many medals, including the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism, the Bronze Star, and other awards while serving in Vietnam. SP4 Michael J. Hernacki reenlisted in the Army and spent the next 6 years stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1981. Michael LOVED cruising, and was supposed to leave on a cruise with his wife, Linda, for their 19th wedding anniversary in late August, as well as to celebrate his upcoming 64th birthday. All his friends called him Mr. Carnival, and his special cruise hat was a must to be worn on all cruises that he went on (20 total). He LIVED for cruising, his last being in February 2011. Mike loved his schnauzer, Scooter, and Scooter misses him a lot. Mike would take Scooter to the dog park every day, and Scooter will miss these special times together with him. He leaves behind his loving wife of almost 19 years, Linda; two step-children, Michelle (Neal) Stanton and Robert (Angela) Tabin; son, Michael Ray Hernacki; five adored grandchildren, Jacob Stanton, Joshua Stanton, Carter Tabin, Andrew Tabin, and Brady Tabin; sister, Rita (Dick) Botwinis; two brothers-in- law, Larry (Pollye) Moroni and Steve Moroni; and many nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Frank Hernacki; his mother, Agnes Hernacki; and two brothers, Thomas and David Hernacki. A visitation will be held on Monday, August 1, 2011 from 6-8 pm at Florida Memorial Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 10:00 am, followed by military honors in the Veterans section of Florida Memori al Gardens. Please sign the online guestbook at www.floridamemorialfh-gardens.com and share your memories of Mike with his family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Pet Rescue of Brevard or your local humane socie ty.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by FloridaToday on Jul. 31, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL HERNACKI

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Dave & Jo Myerly

August 3, 2011

Linda our thoughts are with you and your family right now. Every time we cruise and see the Carnival funnel we always think of you and Mike. He was a great and fun fellow cruiser and will be missed by many. Our prayers are with you.

Jerryanne Cameron

August 3, 2011

I remember the days of laughter and fun. Mike was a born comedian. My condolences to his wife, son(my nephew) and step-children.

Don & Sharon Mills

August 1, 2011

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

MICHELE MARAGNI

August 1, 2011

MIKE, YOU ARE NEVER MORE THAN A THOUGHT AWAY, LOVED AND REMEMBERED EVERYDAY!!!!! LOVE CLAUDE, MICHELE, COREY, AND ELEANOR

Claude & Michele Maragni

August 1, 2011

Linda losing Mike is like losing part of our family, you know how much we loved you both! we share so many wonderful memories, that we will cherish forever, like at your wonderful Christmas parties,me singing to Mike " All I Want For Christmas Is You!" remember he loved it so much, he sang a duet with me, ha! ha! what fun we all had! when I think of Mike, I think of how I admired his beautiful work he always put into your house, and his gorgeous Christmas displays he made faithfully every year , dressing up as Santa, with Sleigh and all! what a wonderful caring man, with a smile to melt your heart! heaven has a new angel! Linda we hope you can find comfort in your wonderful memories with Mike, especially of all your great Cruises together, and the wonderful times you've shared, Mike was also very lucky to be loved by such a wonderful, caring wife and friend that you were to him!I know my dearest friend that you will be dearly watched over, by your new angel! you both will be forever loved, in our prayers and in our hearts forever!

katie

August 1, 2011

Glad to have met Mike. My prayers to you and your family.

Lorraine Grady

August 1, 2011

Although we haven't visited much since we moved up here to Tallahassee we always enjoyed the pictures you sent, Linda.You could tell that Mike really loved his home and his family. We enjoyed all the holiday pictures, cruise pictures and those surrounded by his beautiful grandchildren. Linda...you and your family made his life special,too. We are sad for you all that his life has ended but he will be forever in your hearts and souls. Thinking of you , Love George and Lorraine

Lois Stanton

August 1, 2011

Michael has been part of our family celebrations for almost twenty years now. Since I was widowed before my first grandchild was born, Michael was the only grandpop Jacob and Joshua ever knew, and we will all miss him very much. He made us laugh.

Mike and Linda were famous for their Christmas parties, and their house was always beautifully decorated inside and out. The train garden was the boys favorite. Mike WAS Santa Claus for our Jacob and Joshua, and the whole neighborhood as well. Sitting in his slead giving out candy to the kids was his special joy.

We shared a love of gardening, and he always took time to check out what was blooming in mine when they come over for our birthday pool parties or other events. Mike was also a great source of information when something in the house or pool needed fixing, at my house, and especially Neal and Michelle's. He was always generous with his time and talent.

We will all miss him very much.

Jo Ann Murana

August 1, 2011

So sorry to hear of Mike's passing, may the thoughts and prayers of those that love you help. You will always be our little Penney.

Kelly Hernacki

August 1, 2011

My Uncle Mike was a connection to my Dad, who died too young. He would fix things. Built an orchid house for Mom. Played with us. And even became the adult with my three brothers for Y Indian Guides. They were the Owl tribe.

Samantha, the youngest of us, had her wish for an Easy Bake Oven granted by Uncle Mike. She baked, and he ate with joy and lots of yummy noises. Please realize that Samantha NEVER ate what she baked. Uncle Mike would and make her feel special with every morsel he consumed.

One of my favorite stories is when Uncle Mike returned from Vietnam. We was drafted in his late teens. A Catholic boy, from a small town in Florida.

After a tour of duty in Vietnam, he was back at Grandpa's house. One afternoon there was a knock at the front door. Mike, in his exuberance to be home sprang for the door. It was two women from the Jehovah Witness church, Watchtower magazine in hand.

My Grandpa slowly followed. He heard the ladies ask, "Have you been saved?" "Oh yes I have!" Replied Uncle Mike. "in Vietnam..." he started. Grandpa started to stop him to explain what "saved" meant. But it was too late, and the story was too good. My 19 year old Catholic Uncle told the story of a gun battle in which his life was truly saved by another soldier. The women stood dumbfounded. They then nodded their heads in agreement. "Yes sir you most certainly have been saved. Have a lovely day."

Grandpa closed the door, then burst out laughing. Uncle Mike didn't understand. The story wasn't funny!! Then Grandpa explained about being saved in Jesus Christ. And that was Uncle Mike's introduction into other Christian faiths.

Uncle Mike, thank you for loving, laughing and cherishing me as your niece.

Aunt Linda, thank you for loving him the way he deserved to be loved.

Jennifer Hug

July 31, 2011

Linda, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I only got to meet Mike the once on the Carnival Glory but will have fond memories. I know that I will have an angel watching over me every time I cruise.

Jennifer Hug, St Petersburg, FL

Michelle Stanton

July 31, 2011

We love and miss you "Handyman" dad and grandpa!
We will take care of Mom and Scooter for you!
Love-Neal, Michelle, Jacob, Joshua and Shelby the Basset Hound

Larry Moroni

July 31, 2011

Mike was a great guy and a wonderful husband to my dear sister Linda. His great sense of humor made being around Mike a pleasure. With all that he went through in life, especially his days in Vietnam...you would never know the negative side of life that Mike probably experienced. He was always looking at the bright side of life, and loved every moment. He really seemed to love people, especially kids. Mike, you will certainly be missed by all of us...but I know we will meet again some day. Your brother through marraige...Larry

Michelle Stanton

July 31, 2011

Mary Heuberger

July 31, 2011

Dear Linda,
Sorry, I goofed when I wrote my previous note.
I stated that Mike had been so very kind to Skipper (which is true since Skipper is my doggie). I meant to state Scooter's name... Mike was woderful to his 'best buddy Scooter. Scooter will miss Mike!
We will all miss Mike!
Fondly,
Mary Heuberger

Paul Pietrangelo

July 31, 2011

Linda,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Friendship is important and you and Mike were good friends. We will miss him and that wonderful Carnival funnel hat.

Riposi in Pace! Rest in Peace our cruising friend.

Paul Pietrangelo

July 31, 2011

Mary Heuberger

July 31, 2011

Dear Linda,
Mike made big impression on me when I first met him at the dog park. He was so very kind to Skipper and also the other doggie that would come with him.
Mike was friendly, fun filled and helped make my time at the dog park a very pleasant time. I looked forward to chatting with Mike each time I visited the dog park (which is usually each afternoon).
I am sure that Mike made a big difference in your life and the lives of the rest of those in your family.
Now, his earthly jobs are completed. I am sorry that he had some difficult days and nights before he went home to God.
May he rest in peace!
Let's keep in touch, Linda! I'd like that.
I plan to see you at Florida Memorial Gardens tomorrow evening to say "Good bye", to Mike.
Fondly,
Mary Heuberger

Elaine Scott-Thompson

July 31, 2011

Linda,
I cannot begin to express my sorrow for your loss. I will always remember Mike with a smile on his face and a Carnival hat on his head. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.

Suzy Winans

July 31, 2011

Linda,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. We will all miss Mike. If you need anything please let us know!
The Winans Family

Alyssa Tabin

July 31, 2011

Dear Aunt Linda and Family,

So very sorry for your loss of Mike. He was a great guy! Hopefully now he will not be suffering anymore, and he is in a better place. I wish everyone else well. Stay strong.

Nanette Hurst

July 31, 2011

Always will remember that he was so happy and so nice with me and my family the two times we were together here in San Juan. My last memory of him is always going to be with the funnel hat on the Carnival Glory. That was a special ocassion for all of us.

BEST BUDDY SCOOTER

Scooter Hernacki

July 31, 2011

I love you daddy and miss our walks at the dog park. Your "best buddy" Scooter will miss you!

So in Love!

Linda Hernacki

July 31, 2011

My husband, my world, my everything. I know you are at Peace now, and not suffering. It will be difficult going on without you. I will always LOVE YOU! So many people will miss you. Your grandchildren adore you, and your children are amazing in how they have helped me get thru this. Family and friends mean so much to me now. I would do anything I could if I could just have you back with me, smiling your happy contagious smile. Rest in Peace my Love and I will join you one day and we will be together again. Your Loving Wife, Linda

Patricia Uffelman

July 31, 2011

Linda, I am so sorry to hear this ~ our deepest sympathy and condolances to you and your family at this most difficult time.

Patricia Uffelman

July 31, 2011

Linda,
I am so sorry to hear this ~ my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family at this most difficult time.

Julie Mendenhall

July 31, 2011

Rest in peace Mr. Carnival. Linda and family,
From one advid cruiser to another I pray for peace for your family. Go on that cruise in August. Michael would want you to go.

Barbara Nguyen

July 31, 2011

My deepest condolences go out to Michael's family. Especially to my dear friend Linda. I will remember Mike from all the cruise pictures of him having a blast. It was very fitting to include a picture of him in his cruise hat. The picture of him in his uniform reminds us what he did for his country. As his family knows all too well, he carried a great burden with him years after his service. I know the good lord will reward him in heaven for his sacrifice in his service.

Bob

July 31, 2011

We love you Mike and Grandpa! Love Bob, Angie, Carter, Andrew, and Brady!

memories

bee cordle

July 31, 2011

we all lost a dear friend and fellow cruiser. mike i hope there are cruise ships in heaven and you are riding high!

bee and sarge

Edward Konefe

July 31, 2011

You will be missed by all Mr. Carnival. There will always be a light bulb needing to be changed on a ship just waiting for you

BIG Ed Konefe

Frank and Bridie Rist

July 31, 2011

Linda are deepest thoughts are with you and your family right now. Every time we cruise now and see the funnel we will think of mike. He has embarked on the greatest cruise. I know he will be missed.

July 31, 2011

I'm so glad I got to cruise with Mike and his crazy hat! He will surely be missed. We are so sorry for your loss.
The Rists

Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results

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