Obituary of William "Bill" Walter Slavinsky, Jr.

West Melbourne, FL – William “Bill” W. Slavinsky, Jr., 86, passed away peacefully at the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, FL on Saturday, October 24, 2020.  Bill was born on August 11, 1934, the son of William W. Slavinsky and Alda B. (Turosky) Slavinsky, and was raised in Cambridge, MA.

 

After graduating from high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Army and served his country in Germany.  While in the military, he attended the Army Language School and became a Polish Translator.  He was awarded the Army Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal during his enlistment.

 

Returning to Massachusetts after his tour of duty, Bill started working and began to fulfill his goal of obtaining a college education.  He enrolled in classes at Northeastern University in Boston, MA and received his Associate of Electrical Engineering in 1965.  The following year, he graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.  After retiring, Bill returned to the classroom taking continuing education classes at Florida Institute of Technology in Computer Programming.  His passion for learning stayed with him throughout his life.

 

Most of Bill’s career centered around the Aerospace Industry.  He worked in the position of either a Director or a Manager, overseeing product/quality assurance and quality control.  While working for Aerojet Rocketdyne GenCorp as a Supplier Quality Representative, he had the opportunity to work with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).  To be affiliated with NASA was one of the highlights of his career.

 

He believed in giving back to the community and volunteered for many years for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).  Bill started as an assistance and then went on to be an instructor for new volunteers.  Also, while at Florida Institute Technology, he gave of his time tutoring students and assisting professors with class rosters/attendance and test grades.

 

Bill was a quiet and reserved man who lived his life without pretenses.  He cared deeply for his family and friends.  Those who knew Bill well were aware of his keen sense of humor and intelligence.  In August of 1971, he married the love of his life, Norma Jeanette Cullins.  Sadly, Norma predeceased Bill in October of 2019.  The longevity of their marriage was a true testament of their love and devotion for one another.  Bill will be deeply missed by all that knew him.  He is gone from our sight, but never from our memories.  He is gone from our touch, but never our hearts.

 

Family members would like to extend their profound gratitude to all who have shown sincere kindness and immense compassion during this tough period.  Without the support of neighborhood friends who have become extended families and the nurses and other staff members at Discovery Village - Melbourne, Holmes Regional Medical Center and the William Childs Hospice House, this sorrowful time would have been far more difficult.

 

A military burial will be held at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, FL at a date to be determined.