Jeffrey Allen Miskell

Jeffrey Allen Miskell passed away Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, after a lengthy illness, at University Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich., with family members by his side.

Jeff was born in Syracuse on Oct. 8, 1984. He graduated from Canandaigua Academy in 2003, where he played football and hockey. He joined the Navy shortly after and trained to be a Navy SEAL. Upon his discharge in 2007, he worked as a fire jumper in Colorado until moving to Michigan.

In August 2010, he married the love of his life, Jessica Menzel and together they made a home in Pinckney, Mich. and started to build a life together. Unfortunately, cancer changed Jeff's plans and he spent more than four years fighting this disease.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Jessica, of Michigan; his mother, Karen Molloy, of Manchester N.Y.; his father, James Miskell (Patty), of Canandaigua and two sisters, Maureen and Jennifer Miskell, both of Michigan. He also leaves his paternal grandmother, Marian Miskell; his maternal grandparents, Ann and Richard Bryant and Tom Molloy, all of Auburn. Also in Auburn, are his aunts and uncles, Ann and David Guarino, Joseph and Jessica Savarese, Peggy Christensen, and Anthony Savarese.

Many out of town relatives include uncles, David Miskell, Larry (Beth) Miskell, Tim (Angelique) Molloy, Mark (Carol) Molloy, David Molloy and aunts, Beth (Tim) Robinson and Patricia Molloy. Jeff was blessed to have many, many cousins, of whom he was a favorite. Jeff is also survived by his in-laws, Beth and Chuck Menzel; sister-in-law, Rebecca Leischner and her husband, Jeremy; uncles-in-law, Jeff and Tom; grandmother, Cecelia Menzel and grandfather, Russ Serier. He was also blessed to have the love and support of special friends, Paul and Judy Potrykus.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, John (Jack) Miskell, of Auburn.

Jeff loved to spend time with his friends and relatives, and enjoyed family get-togethers. He was devoted to his yellow lab, Rhino Bear. They were the best of companions and Rhino was a great comfort during the difficult times of Jeff's illness.

A memorial service was held in Michigan on Nov. 11, 2012. A celebration of Jeff's life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, at the Vineyard Church, 360 Grant Ave. Plaza, in Auburn.

Those wishing to donate are asked to do to this, UHMS Medical Development and Alumni Relations, 1000 Oakbrook, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-6815. Please include the following on your check, In memory of Jeff Miskell to support the Adrenal Cancer Program.

Jeff's courage and strength, as he battled his illness, was an inspiration to everyone. Through it all, he was able to maintain to cheerful, positive attitude and was a shining example to his family and friends. He will hold a special place in our hearts and always be remembered with love and respect.