Michael P. Dulinawka Sr.

Michael "Silo" Paul Dulinawka, Sr, age 70 passed away with courage after a 2 ½ year battle with a rare cancer. He was preceded in death by his father Peter Dulinawka of Buffalo, NY and his mother Mabel Dulinawka Gaskins of Athens, GA.

Mike was a native of Athens where he enjoyed a Tom Sawyer-like childhood. Upon graduating from Athen's High School, he entered Gainesville Junior College where he distinguished himself in academics and athletics. Here his talents in baseball and soccer gained the attention of major college recruiters. He also served as class Vice President and was a member of the Army Reserve.

After receiving his associate's degree, Mike entered the University of Georgia and its Air Force Pilot Program, the beginning of his quest to fly. After graduating with honors, Mike was commissioned as an Air Force 2nd Lt. having given up the Army for the Air Force. While waiting to report to active duty, Mike taught PE for a year where his gift for helping and inspiring students took root.

Once on Air Force active-duty, Mike was sent to Titan II Missile Schools and was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base where for the next four years, he served as the missile crew commander of the US's largest nuclear ICBM weapon. Here Mike's accomplishments, included Wing Instructor and Junior Officer of the Year.

It was during this time period Mike married the love of his life, Betty, and their 45 year journey began.

Not satisfied with having only a private pilot's license, Mike applied for and was accepted into the US Navy's flight program in 1980, and in 1981 he transitioned from the Air Force to the Navy to be a Naval Flight Officer. He and his family moved to Pensacola, FL for a year of training (VT-10, VT-86). During flight school, Mike and Betty met their close friends, Sam Sowell, Joe and Linda Testa, Deon and Marilyn Harkey.

After flight school the family moved to Virginia Beach, VA, where Mike completed his F-14 training and deployed on his first cruise with squadron VF-14. Mike was living his dream.

Cruises are long and his wife and family were lucky to meet Bob and Susan Motley and their young family who provided support and companionship during the cruise months. The Motley family quickly became lifelong friends.

At the time of his Navy retirement, Mike was one of the few RIOs flying C-12s. Following his retirement, Mike returned to teaching at Plaza Middle School and then Princess Anne High School where he taught geometry and algebra. He and his teammate, Greg Colgate, helped a multitude of students pass state standards and graduate from high school. On the golf course, Mike and Greg celebrated their students' many successes.

Mike and Betty were great supporters of all PAHS sports and activities, and Mike spent many years coaching wrestling at PAHS and coaching community soccer, baseball, basketball. Mike volunteered at the NAS Oceana Stables where his love of horses thrived.

Mike is survived by his wife Betty, daughter Cory, son Michael, sisters June Oliver and Janet McSwain (Doug), brother Bob, and nieces and nephew.

Mike will be remembered for his big personality, his fearlessness, and as someone who was always willing to lend a hand whether there was a fallen tree, sick horse, or a student needing additional tutoring to graduate from high school.

In lieu of flowers make donations to the VB SPCA or the Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue in Mt.Airy, MD.

A special thanks Dr. Daniel Aruch and his staff for his expertise and care.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 4 at 2:00 p.m. at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Lynnhaven Chapel on Virginia Beach Blvd. Condolences may be offered to the family at:

www.hollomon-brown.com