Michael was a kind soul who was always ready to help, had a great sense of humor, and lived to enjoy every moment. Michael had a passion for life and learning which led him to many experiences and professions. For the past ten years he devoted himself as a volunteer to the East Chatham Fire Company. He was a Class A Interior Fire Fighter, Fire Police Captain, EMS Lieutenant, and served as Director for two years, President for one year, and past Company Engineer.
His body was donated to the Anatomical Department at Albany Medical College as his last community service hoping that any possible research toward Powassan Virus could help others.
Memorials may be made to: East Chatham Fire Co., 14 Frisbee St., E. Chatham, NY 12060 or the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 111 Humane Society Rd. Hudson NY 12534. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit HansFuneralHome.com .
Kate Martin
Catherine and family.
I send many heartfelt condolences on the loss of your husband, brother, uncle and friend, and his passing to the spirit world. May you find comfort in his generosity of spirit and all the memories he left behind.
Alex Mlynarczyk
As a brother firefighter and friend I can never forget Mike. I am devastated by his passing but will always remember his complete kindness and immediate acceptance of me and my family not only into the fire company, but the community of lower New Concord Rd. He had such fantastic stories and one of my favorite questions for him was always ‘When does your autobiography come out!’
I only wish I had had more time to sit and share stories with him.
Rest easy brother.
Vince & Victoria Serecin and Family
Michael was one of the kindest, most considerate and compassionate souls I have ever known. Vicky, the girls and I were all were saddened by the news of his passing. Michael was someone, in my observation, connected to life, connected to the people he loved and connected to all that he did in this world. In that spirit, this quote made me think of him: “It is quite evident that our world is useful and that it provides for our needs, but our connection to it does not end there. We are united to it by a connection much larger and more truthful than necessity. Our soul is drawn to it; the love of life is in reality a desire in us to seek our connection with this universe. And this connection is love. On a lighter note, this instrumental has several meanings, some more mundane, but a tribute from me at any rate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGy9eGCVy_g
Wende Garton
Our sympathy and warmest thoughts are with Catherine and the rest of Michael’s family. May time accomplish what no words can do.
Bob Keeley
Catherine, thank you for sharing Mike so generously with all of us. Mike’s value to the community went beyond his contributions to the our Volunteer Fire Department. He was always ready with a warm and friendly smile, a good thoughtful conversation laced with humor, and quick to lend a helping hand.
I will always think of him as a genuinely true friend. I’m a better person for knowing him.
Audrey Schoenfeld
Heartbroken