BORN

1920

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Potter Funeral Home

456 Jackson Street

Willimantic, Connecticut

Michael Selavka Obituary

Michael (Mic) Selavka December 1, 1920 - January 7, 2014 Windham - Michael(Mic) Selavka, 93, died on January 7, 2014, at St. Joseph's Living Center in Windham. He was born in South Coventry, Connecticut on December 1st, 1920 to proud parents Michael Philip and Tekla (Borodin) Selavka. Mic was the fourth of eight children born: Anne, Nasta (Est), Olga, Michael, Jack, Marjorie, Carl and Lary. He and his siblings grew up in Willimantic and attended school in Windham. He excelled in High School and college where he was quite an athlete, participating in track, football, baseball and basketball. He and his brothers also were members of the Drum and Bugle Corps, he as Drum Major. Mic later graduated from the Willimantic State Teachers College (now ECSU) following his military service. With the advent of World War II, in 1942 he enlisted in the US Marine Corps to serve his country. He also excelled in this area and due to his expertise in bayonet and rifle was assigned to the Marines elite Scout Sniper Platoon. As a member of the Second Marine Division Assault Regiment he was dispatched to Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands where he received a Silver Star Medal and a Presidential Unit Citation for gallantry and heroism. He also saw duty in Tinian in the Marianas Islands during the battle for Saipan before receiving a serious wound to his arm and hand resulting in his being shipped home at the rank of Platoon Sergeant. On return he became a Willimantic State Teachers College student beginning on his life long career in Education and relationship with the love of his life and future wife of 54 years, Mariette (Mac) Conant Selavka. He spent 42 years teaching, primarily in North Franklin, starting in a one-room schoolhouse, teaching and becoming school Principal at the elementary school level. He loved his job, students, parents and professionals and they apparently loved him. He also found time during his summers to do lots of gardening, traveling with Mac and coaching the American Thread Little League teams. He was an active member and supporter of the BPOE, American Legion, VFW and Marine Corps League, and also loved the NY Yankees and all UCONN sports teams. Mr. Selavka is survived by his brother Carl Selavka and wife Janet of Sun City Center, FL, sister Marjorie Heise of Bremerton, WA and sister-in-law Elizabeth Selavka of Fairfield. Other survivors include his many beloved "original", great and great grand nieces and nephews, He was predeceased by his wife Mariette (Mac) Selavka, His sisters Anne Terry, Nasta (Est) Rowan and Olga Selavka, brothers Jack Selavka and Lary Selavka and In-Laws Earl Terry, Brian Rowan, Ernie Heise and Eleanor Selavka. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff, especially those on St. Patrick's wing, for the special care, services and kindnesses provided to our loved one and our family over the past three plus years. Services and burial with military honors in Willimantic will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT 06226. To sign an online guest register please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.

Published by Norwich Bulletin on Jan. 9, 2014.
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He was my hero.

Bryant Washburne

Bryant Washburne

May 7, 2015

MR.SELAVKA
A great teacher and a great friend.He helped me in many ways of my like . When i had a problem in school (FRANKLIN EL.) he always was there for me and always had time to listen. A great all around person.

Jim Semmelrock

January 14, 2014

Mr. Selvaka was the epitome of what an educator should be. As Principal while I attended Franklin Elementary, I recall only smiles and kind words from this man who had the ultimate authority over the school. He was loved and respected by all. It's been over 37 years since I was his student and I am deeply saddened by his passing. The world lost a good one and heaven rejoices. God bless the family

Cheryl Hill-Desroche

January 14, 2014

Mr Selavka was a gentleman through and through. To read of his distinguished military service is to grow ever more fond of the man who I believe edified what a true educator was. His smile, his laugh, his passion for teaching, and his hope in a better tomorrow are just a few of the memories I have of the man...the gentle man...who was my 6th grade teacher and the principle of Franklin Elementary for so very many years. To his family, I speak on behalf of all FES students in saying 'Thank you for sharing him with us all.'

Dale Kingsley

January 13, 2014

Remember him as a great Principal and Teacher. We who had him in our lives are better people because of him. So happy he lived such a long and fulfilled life...can't help but wish that for everyone.

Ed Avila

January 13, 2014

Mr Selavka was a perfect example of a teacher. He touched many lives in such a positive manner. God bless him and may he rest in peace.

Ida Konow

January 10, 2014

Mr selavka brought fun, joy and kindness to Franklin students including myself. He will be always remembered as a wonderful teacher and man

Sharon Mcguire Wetmore

January 9, 2014

All 3 of my children were lucky enough to have Mr. Selavka for a teacher at Franklin Elementary School in the late 1980's and early 1990's. They thought he was a great teacher and made learning fun. He lived down the road from us and for many years after when we would drive past his home, they would speak of him and wonder how he was doing. Was so sorry when he lost his wife. Later years he would come to my place of employment and if I was lucky to see him there, he would always stop and chat and ask how the kids were doing and remarking how proud he was of all of them. He was a dear, sweet man and you have our sincere sympathy having lost him. I will think of him and smile for many years to come.

January 9, 2014

With Deepest Sympathy,

The Officers and Members of the 4th District Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

January 9, 2014

Michael Selavka was the single greatest influence on my academic career; I thank him for helping me get to where I am today. He was an amazing educator and influence on those at Franklin Elementary.

Ray Hill

January 9, 2014

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