Michael J. Shinko, 84, of Belford, passed away Sept. 21, 2021, after a long illness with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Michael loved to be outside and learned his love of fishing from his father, and passed it on to his own son. He was a faithful communicant of St. Mary Mother Of God Church in New Monmouth. Michael was a one-time winner of the St. Mary’s annual fair 50/50.
He was born in West Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and moved to New Jerset in 1958. He settled with his family in Belford in 1962. Michael worked for RCA and Alcoa Aluminum before finding his true calling as a union commercial roofer.
Michael leaves behind his devoted daughter Michele Shinko; like-a-daughter Debbie Vincent; loving friends the Smith family, James McCarthy and Quentin Van Buren; brother-in-law James and sister-in-law Suzanne Kersikofski.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Rose Shinko, his beloved wife of 50 years Beverly, and his only son Jeffrey David.
Michele would like to thank Dr. A. Parhar and staff for their wonderful care through the years; We Care Adult Day Care; Meridian Hospice and caregivers, Jolenta, Melanie and Dedra.
A funeral liturgy was offered Sept. 29 at Mary Mother of God Church, Middletown. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery, Drums, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in Michael’s name to the St. Mary’s Building Fund.
Arrangements are under the direction of John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.
The article originally appeared in the September 30 – October 6, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
