Michael Wanca

With much sadness, Michael Wanca, 87, of Forked River passed in his sleep on April 4, 2025, while a patient at Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital, Toms River. 

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary Sullivan Wanca, brothers James and Ted, sisters Elizabeth Crocetta and Donna Yavorski.  He was predeceased by his beloved sister Kathryn (Kitchie) Drozdowski.  He is also survived by nieces Liz (Tim) Mathews, Andrea (Scott) Ader, Jessica Darrough, nephews, Anthony (Mina) Drozdowski, Joseph Crocetta, Michael (Traci) Wanca and Dylan Skursky, grandnieces, Kathryn and Christine Ader and Ava and Olivia Darrough.

Mike was born in Jersey City to Michael and Kathryn Wanca on June 3, 1937.  He was drafted into the army and was stationed in Erlongen, Germany.  Upon completion of his duty, he returned to Jersey City and was instrumental in the founding of the Roosevelt Yacht Club and was elected to be it’s first commodore.  Mike retired from Kearfott Guidance and Navigation in Wayne, New Jersey, where his work involved the testing of the navigational systems of the US Navy’s Trident and Poseidon missiles as well as the US Air Force’s F15 and P3C planes. 

Upon retirement, he and Mary moved to Forked River to be close to the water they loved.  An avid boatsman with at least two boats  at the ready, Mike, Mary and their much-loved pugs often traveled up the Hudson River to Lake Champlain and down to the Chesapeake Bay with fellow cruisers.  He fulfilled his dream trip of sailing their boat, “Vision”, home from the Florida Keys by the way of the Intercoastal Waterway.  

Mike was an active member of the Forked River Tuna Club, the American Legion and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Mike’s name to Pug Planet Rescue, PO Box 593, Forked River, 08731 or the Lacey Food Bank, c/o Administrators Office, 818 W. Lacey Rd., Forked River, 08731.

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