Michael R. Stranko

CWO4 Michael R. Stranko, United States Navy (Retired), 76, left for his final deployment on July 21, 2024.

Warrant Officer Stranko was born on Feb. 3, 1948, in Scranton, Pa. He was the first of three sons with an older and younger daughter born to Mike Stranko Sr. Upon graduating from Scranton Central High School, he enlisted in the Navy in June of 1966. After completion of boot camp, he was selected for radioman journeyman school. Warrant Officer Stranko's distinguished 30 year career with the Navy included assignments in Brunswick, Maine, Republic of Vietnam, Japan, Washington, D.C., Diego Garcia and San Diego, Calif. He also served aboard the USS Constellation (CV64), USS Peleliu (LHA5) and Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Five embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV63), USS Nimitz (CVN68), USS New Jersey, (BB61), USS Ranger (CV61) and USS Independence (CV62). During his long career and remarkable career, CWO Stranko earned the following awards: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, four Navy Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement Medals with Combat "V," Joint Meritorious Unit Medal, two Navy Unit Commendation Awards, four Meritorious Unit Commendation Awards, five Navy Good Conduct Medals, four Navy Expeditionary Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, eight Sea Service Deployment Awards, two Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Awards, two Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action with Palm, eight stars Republic of Vietnam Campaign, Kuwait Liberation Medal and numerous Letters of Commendation and Appreciation. After his retirement from the Navy in August of 1996, he attended Coleman College and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in computer networks. He worked for the city of Chula Vista as a development services technician for more than nine years and retired in February 2008.

Michael had a passion for golf and enjoyed maintaining his landscape. His green thumb prowess was evidenced in his hybrid tea roses.

He is survived by his daughter, Aileen Fox, League City, Texas; and son, Aaron Stranko, Chula Vista, Calif.; a sister, Maureen Riggi; two brothers; Richard Stranko and Brian Stranko. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia "Patsy" Stranko.

A private viewing for family and friends was held, followed by cremation. He was interred with his sister, Patricia "Patsy" Stranko, in the family burial plot at Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton, Pa.

Arrangements were under the direction and care of the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, West Scranton.