Obituary for Michael V. "Mike" Sljaka
Michael V. “Mike” Sljaka, age 59, a longtime resident of Groton, passed away at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston on Saturday, March 11, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Boston on November 15, 1963 and was the son of Rita Thompson and the late Vincent Sljaka.
Michael was a kind and thoughtful soul that will be missed and remembered by the many lives that he touched. He was always a positive and uplifting presence.
Michael’s first career was in the music industry as a drummer for several bands, his favorite being when he was with the “Lines”. He then switched careers, heading into the technology industry, where he spent the last, and best, 20 years of his career with S4A/Cimquest, where he was beloved by both his co-workers and clients.
When not working, he enjoyed riding his bike on many of the local rail trails. His daily passion for being on two wheels was a mainstay in his life, as well as his love for cooking. Michael was also an inspiring activist for nature and animals, hand raising over 300 neonatal kittens for local shelters over the last 8 years. And let’s not forget his love of military aviation, for which he was scheduled to ride in a T-6 Warbird in June.
Michael is survived by his mother Rita Thompson of Chelmsford, his life-partner Jennifer Bellrose of Groton, his Aunt Katherine and John Lonsdale of Blackstone, several cousins, and his 6 feline companions.
In accordance with Michael’s wishes, he did not desire to have a service or wake. He would prefer to have a Celebration of Life, to be announced and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Michael would appreciate a donation made in his honor to either The Mountain Lakes Club (PO Box 641 Groton, MA 01450 mountainlakesclub.org) or The Air Force Aid Society (PO Box 2208 Arlington, VA 22202 afas.org).
He was born in Boston on November 15, 1963 and was the son of Rita Thompson and the late Vincent Sljaka.
Michael was a kind and thoughtful soul that will be missed and remembered by the many lives that he touched. He was always a positive and uplifting presence.
Michael’s first career was in the music industry as a drummer for several bands, his favorite being when he was with the “Lines”. He then switched careers, heading into the technology industry, where he spent the last, and best, 20 years of his career with S4A/Cimquest, where he was beloved by both his co-workers and clients.
When not working, he enjoyed riding his bike on many of the local rail trails. His daily passion for being on two wheels was a mainstay in his life, as well as his love for cooking. Michael was also an inspiring activist for nature and animals, hand raising over 300 neonatal kittens for local shelters over the last 8 years. And let’s not forget his love of military aviation, for which he was scheduled to ride in a T-6 Warbird in June.
Michael is survived by his mother Rita Thompson of Chelmsford, his life-partner Jennifer Bellrose of Groton, his Aunt Katherine and John Lonsdale of Blackstone, several cousins, and his 6 feline companions.
In accordance with Michael’s wishes, he did not desire to have a service or wake. He would prefer to have a Celebration of Life, to be announced and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Michael would appreciate a donation made in his honor to either The Mountain Lakes Club (PO Box 641 Groton, MA 01450 mountainlakesclub.org) or The Air Force Aid Society (PO Box 2208 Arlington, VA 22202 afas.org).