Michael Edward Dvornak

Michael Edward Dvornak

Michael Edward Dvornak was born to Michael and Amelia on September 19, 1935, in Buffalo, New York. Born to American immigrants, Michael was brought up with a strong work ethic, steadfast faith, and a high regard for education.

After graduating from Canisius High School, he became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning his bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Detroit and later earning his master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Buffalo. Following his time in the ROTC in college, Michael enlisted in the US Army, where he served honorably as a First Lieutenant.

Notably, he worked on the ascent rocket engine for the Apollo Missions, sharing the significance that human lives were dependent on the Bell rocket engine to successfully fire and lift them off the moon. His work as a Senior Engineer for Bell Aerospace, Co. moved his family from Buffalo, NY to New Orleans, LA in the late 1960s to help design the Navy hovercraft landing craft JEFF-B. He continued with his outstanding engineering design and analytical skills to design numerous US Navy and US Army high-performance vehicles. Highly respected in his field, Michael retired from Textron in 1999. Though, retirement couldn’t keep him from continuing his engineering career with the US Navy and Navy support contractors.

In 1959, he married his lifelong travel partner and sweetheart, Pauline Nellie Wolko. During their 63 years of marriage, they raised four children-Concetta Richard (Lane), Michael Joseph Dvornak, Matthew John Dvornak (Rhonda), and Mark James Dvornak (Laura), all of whom continue to emulate his work ethic and value of education. He is survived by his grandchildren Mary Miller (Koty), Eric Richard (Sydney), Zachary Richard, Shelby Richard, Jaime Mackey (Patrick), Jordan Freeman (Eric), Malachi Dvornak, Michael S. Dvornak, Cortney Dvornak, Cassandra Dvornak, Mikaila Munson (Andrew), and Mark Ethan Dvornak; as well as 8 great-grandchildren. He was the fixture in all family gatherings, starting dinner with a prayer and steadfast gratitude for his family’s health and blessings.

The importance he placed on education was evidenced through his continued support of Canisius High School, and his faith and humble servanthood were witnessed through his active involvement in RCIA ministry at Holy Ghost Parish, St. Vincent De Paul Society, and the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight and was recognized as Knight of the Year.

Michael loved traveling overseas with his wife and children, making cherished memories. He was a voracious reader of history books, loved his hazelnut coffee, and would never turn down dessert (especially peanut brittle). He is known for his quiet strength and humility and was a good friend to all who knew him. Michael leaves behind a lasting legacy through his family, volunteer work, and contributions to the field of engineering. He will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Tuesday, November 15th, 2022 at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a rosary by the Knights of Columbus at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Ghost Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell at 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home.

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