Michael Bak Jr., U.S. Navy World War II Veteran, Dies At 93

Courtesy of Bugbee-Riggs Funeral Home, Ship Bottom

Michael Bak Jr. ("Mike"), 93, of Surf City, New Jersey, passed away on Dec. 28, 2016.

He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Anne Gudzon Bak. He is survived by his three children, Bruce Bak of Middletown, Connecticut, Kathleen Forzani and her husband Richard of Garfield, New Jersey, and Randy Bak and his wife Jacalyn of Burlington, New Jersey; as well as six grandchildren, five great grandchildren.

Mike was born on March 14, 1923, in Garfield, New Jersey. He graduated from Garfield High School in 1941, where he played on the basketball and baseball teams.

After the events of December 7, 1941, Mike enlisted with the United States Navy. He served as quartermaster on the U.S.S. Franks DD-554 in the Pacific Theatre of Operations of the Second World War. The U.S.S. Franks earned nine battle stars and sailed at the intersection of history, participating in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and patrolling Tokyo Bay as the peace treaty ending the war was signed. Throughout his life, Mike would travel across the country to speak of his experiences in the Pacific Theatre.

Following his service with the United States Navy, Mike attended Paterson State College. Mike made a career with the Underwood Corporation, which was eventually bought out by Olivetti. He was an executive in sales and marketing. His success was shared with Anne as they traveled on dozens of trips around the world that he earned by always attaining company goals.

Upon retiring, Mike and Anne moved to Surf City, New Jersey. Mike became heavily involved with the Surf City Yacht Club, where he served as Commodore, the Kiwanis Club, and the Episcopal Church of Holy Innocents in Beach Haven, New Jersey. He was also a fixture at Scojo's Restaurant in Surf City, where he would delight in taking his family out for breakfast.

Mike will always be remembered for his positive attitude, his infectious smile, and his love and enthusiasm for his family. Visitation will be held at Bugbee-Riggs Funeral Home, 12th St. & Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ on January 5, 2017 from 2pm-6pm. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, 410 S Atlantic Ave in Beach Haven.

Image: Patch file photo.