Michael Benedict Dynka Jr.

Michael Benedict Dynka Jr. (known as “Sunny” or simply “Mike”) passed away peacefully under Hospice care Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Mike was born Aug. 21st 1937 and was a native of North Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. 

After receiving special dispensation from the principal of Vandergrift High School, Mike received his diploma and joined the US Navy at 17 in 1954. Initially a Seaman’s Apprentice based out of Hampton Roads Virginia, Mike was transferred to the Oiler USS Nespelen in 1955. Aboard the Nespelen, Mike participated in Operation Deep Freeze, the US Navy’s exploration of Antarctica with the mission of building scientific research stations. Mike set foot on Antarctica where temperatures reached lower than -30°F. After the Nespelen was badly damaged by an ice flow, Mike was shipped to New Zealand where he was stationed for several months in Dunedin, being assigned to the Navy’s Construction Battalion “SeaBees” to work on port facilities. In 1957 he returned to the US via Tahiti and the Panama Canal to be honorably discharged. Returning home, Mike met the love of his life, Dorothy “Dot” Shotts and the two were married in 1961. They had one daughter, Michelle, in 1964. The family lived in Kiski Township, and Mike served as a Volunteer Firefighter there through the 1970s. Mike had a stint working at the Vandergrift Steel Mill like his father, but settled into working at Babcock & Wilcox in both Parks Township and Apollo. In the 1980s, Mike and Dot decided to move to Mesa, Arizona chasing warmer weather and better employment opportunities. They built a home together in 1986, and Mike served as a civilian guard at the US Air Force’s Research Center from 1986 until his retirement in 2007. But tragically, Dot was killed in a car accident in 1989. Mike never remarried. After many visits home, Mike decided to return to Pennsylvania in December 2024. He lived at the Magnolia Place in Saxonburg, to be close to family. Mike was a classic car fanatic (especially Pontiacs), aviation enthusiast, and devoted grandfather. 

He is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Dave) Davis, and four grandchildren: Shaun (Theresa) Whitlinger, Kristen (Read Connolly) Whitlinger, Mike Davis, and Matt Davis, as well as five great-grandchildren: Aria Davis, and Nathaniel, Joanna, Eliza, and Nora Whitlinger.     

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Mary (Lujack) Dynka (in 1942) and his father Michael Benedict Dynka Sr., as well as his sister Katherine and wife, Dorothy. 

A Blessing Service will be held Monday, February 24th, at Greenwood Memorial Park in the Chapel. 104 Melwood Rd New Kensington, PA 15068.
 

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