ALBANY – Michael J. Kilmade, 69, of Albany, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. He died surrounded by his loving family – his high school sweetheart and wife of 44 years, Debbie, and their three children – Chris, Joe (Jessica), and Maureen (Erwin Vandenabeele).
The son of the late Daniel and Tomasina Kilmade, Mike grew up in Guilderland with his sister Anna Marie (Gatons). He attended Christ the King School and Bishop Gibbons High School and was a UAlbany and RPI graduate. He worked as a computer programmer for over 30 years for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. He was an avid thoroughbred racing handicapper and loved nothing more than a beautiful summer afternoon at Saratoga Race Track.
He is the beloved Poppa to his two grandchildren, Danny and Lily, who were lucky enough to know and love him.
He was a humble man with a brilliant mind and a profound devotion to his family. Even in his final weeks, he made people laugh and brought everyone closer together.
He had cancer and ALS, yet he was the one always taking care of others. He never complained, never felt sorry for himself, and never gave up. He never used being sick as an excuse. He continued to work, to live, and to love. If anything, being sick made him more devout in his faith and more committed to his family.
The 5-year survival rate for stage IV melanoma is 5%. He lived with it for 24 years. He knew how lucky he was to be alive and he used that gift of time to help others. He cared for his own parents as they got older. He worked until retirement to ensure that his family would be taken care of. He got to be Poppa to his grandchildren. He got to love and be loved for much longer than most people in his situation.
His case is so rare that it will be studied by doctors at Harvard and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He will help save lives and give families like his more time with their loved ones. It is fitting that a humble man with a deep love for others will anonymously change the world even after his death.
The Kilmade family would like to express its deepest and heartfelt appreciation to Dr. David McDermott and his staff in Boston, who treated Mike for the last 12 years and undoubtedly extended and improved his quality of life.
Services will be held graveside at the Calvary Cemetery. Attendance is limited. Please contact the family directly if you would like to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Michael Kilmade to the St. Peter’s Regional ALS Center located at 19 Warehouse Row, Albany, NY 12205. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit HansFuneralHome.com .
Freddy Vandenabeele
To misses Debbie , childrens and grand childrens, our sincerely condoleances.
We wish all of you courage and force in this difficult period of your lifes.
May father Mike rest in peace.
He will always have a special place in your hearts.
Our minds are with all of you.
Freddy & Bie Vandenabeele
Algarve-Portugal
Bruno Vandenabeele
We would like to express our gratitude to have met this wonderful man, loving husband, helping father and funny grandfather.
Hope his family and beloved ones may find comfort and cherish the happy moments.
Rest in peace “Mike”.
To his family, we wish you all strength in these sad days.
Robert Hassinger
I am deeply saddened by the news of Mike’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Linda Haas
My most sincere sympathy for your loss.
Geoff Smullen
Deb, and family…My sincerest condolences to you all on Mike’s passing. I am at a loss to express how highly Mike was thought of by those fortunate to know him. He was well respected for his positive attitude and zest for life while he battled cancer and (I’m sure) in his recent battle with ALS. I think I speak for the VA when I say his contributions to VA’s information system and dedication to veteran service were great. My heart is with you all.
Julie Harvey
Oh my, this man was such a hero and champion to his friends and coworkers at the VA. We will all remember his kindness, generosity, humor, passion for learning and loving and of course his excitement at every coming August at the track as his one and only vice. Mike brought so much to us working with him on the VA mission and his innovations and contributions put VA into the modern world when it came to automating services to improve the veterans’ health care experience. He mentored so many of us and developed such a wide community of friends and followers, there will be a huge collective sad sigh as this news travels but as with everything with Mike, we know he fought his health battle just as he fought any other challenge, if it was going to get the better of him, he was going to make it wait for its reward. Condolences to Debbie and the rest of his family from Ron and I on the loss of a great man.
Jeanie Scott
Debbie and family,
Mike was a wonderful beautiful person. He touched many lives to which his presence changed who they became. May you find comfort and peace in the legacy he has left with all of us
Peace and love
Jeanie
Joel Russell
Words fail. Mike was a mentor, esteemed colleague, friend, and hero to me. As the beautiful tribute above makes clear, he lives on in so many ways, especially in the hearts and minds of everyone he touched.
Happy Trails Mike, ’til we meet again!
Joel
Barbara Connolly
I was thinking of Mike a few days ago, wondering how he was. I am sorry to hear of his passing. He set the bar high in so many ways. I am glad he was able to spend time with his grandchildren. He will be missed.
Margie Curtiss
Prayers and sympathy to Debbie and the family
Roger Metcalf
DHCP/VistA Legend
Mike Belschwinder
I had the high honor of knowing Mike back in the late 1980’s when the ISC was based at the VAMC in Albany. Our paths crossed in a few projects and Mike was always someone who would take the time and talk and teach.
As a cancer survivor myself Mike would always take a few minute to see how I was doing. I was amazed and in awe with his progress in his struggle. I did not know about the ALS. Tom O’Connell always said, there are friends and there are co-workers. Mike was a friend.
Mike.. as you take the step from this world into paradise wear your crowns with honor and I’m sure you will hear our Lord say.. “Well done my good a faithful servant”.
Tom Mikes family and his wife Debbie.. God Bless you all. Prayers for comfort and strength in the times ahead. Keep loving each other and remember God loves you all and rejoice in that another Saint, is safely Home. Until we meet again Mike !
Rob Whelan
I wish I could travel to Albany to attend services, but I understand that is not allowed at this time.
Mike was one of the pioneers of the world’s foremost medical record system – DHPC/VistA. He was the mentor to dozens of developers who grew and thrived because of his brilliance, patience, and generous sharing of his time. I did not get to know Debbie and the kids, but his family was always on his mind. He was a great man who left a great mark on the world. He will be dearly missed.
Lynn Blendell
Dear Debbie and family please accept my deepest condolences. Mike was a wonderful, brilliant man who could solve almost any programming issue we encountered. he contributed so much to the VA and will never be forgotten by anyone who ever worked with him. He was a shining star on earth that will now be shining in heaven!
my deepest sympathy
Lynn Blendell
Catherine Pfeil
Mike was one of the best persons I ever knew. He was kind, generous, funny and brilliant. The entire VA software development community was strengthened via working with him. God rest his soul.
Jerry Sicard
My condolences to Debbie and Mikes family and friends. Mike will be missed by so many in the VA community. He was a wonderful mentor and friend. He will be greatly missed.
Pamela Wright
Debbie and family,
I am so sorry to read of your loss. It was astounding that Mike fought the cancer for so long – definitely a fighter! My deepest condolences to all of you.
Pam
Michael Normandin
I was fortunate to have worked with Mike many years ago. Aside from being a great coworker, he was incredibly knowledgeable, and universally well-respected at his craft. The one that others looked up to, a true pioneer, and gentleman. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
Nancy de Villers
What a gift to so many people, Mike was! Many people will never know him, but many have and will reap the benefits of his expertise and ability to teach. I admired his patience over our shared years working with VA, as well as his knowledge. His humor was legendary.
My condolences to his family.
Neil Piper
Debbie and family,
So sorry to hear about Mike. He was a great guy, had a great sense of humor (well, at least he laughed at all my jokes), and was one of the brightest people I know. He fought the good battle. Very sorry for your loss, Debbie.
Neil
Ed Bader
A true hero to the many of us who worked with him at the VA! Such a fantastic person! My condolences to his family!
Ed Bader
Marcia Insley
Every VA employee owes a great debt of gratitude to Mike though most don’t know it. His brilliance shines in the software that is the core foundation used nationwide today. My debt to Mike runs deep for his patient mentorship and counsel.
Debbie and family, thank you for sharing Mike with us. I hope the many happy memories bring comfort in the days to come.
Cecelia Wray
Mike is one of the most precious memories I have. He was one of the most brilliant and I was always amazed at what he accomplished and what he taught me. Both from a professional and a personal aspect. So sad for his passing. RIP, Mike.
Amanda Zavattieri
To the entire Kilmade family, we are sending are deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. We will keep your family in our prayers ❤️❤️
Love, Amanda and Greg
Tami Winn
I worked for the V.A. from 1984-2009. I heard of Mike for many many years, he was much admired, before I finally got the opportunity to work on a project with him. What a wonderful guy! It was such a pleasure to know him, he was so bright and so much fun. I’ve thought of him often, and I’m so sorry for his family. We were all blessed to know him.
Tami Winn
Boise, Idaho
TERRY KOPP
I have been thinking about Mike often of late and was saddened to read of his passing. I could never thank him enough for his patient mentorship at the V.A. Since some of us retired, we would occasionally catch up over a pub lunch. I looked forward to those encounters and will miss his wit and wisdom. The world has lost a true treasure as Mike was the rare kind of person who made everyone else want to be better. RIP my friend. You fought bravely and left this world a little better for having been in it. To Debbie and his kids/grandkids, my sincerest condolences on your loss. I hope it helps to know he was beloved by so many people.
Terry
Dan Soraoka
Mike was one of those rare people that made a huge impact… quietly, steadily, spreading knowledge, while making everyone a friend. He has helped and will continue to help every veteran that needs care. I salute you, Mike!
Jeanne and Chuck Heran
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you deal with Mikes loss
Vadim Dubinsky
I feel gutted. Mike was more than a co-worker to me, he was a mentor and a friend. His positive attitude, work ethic and attention to detail were aspirational and infectious. I learned much from Mike and feel fortunate to have worked with him. My deepest condolences to Debbie and the family!
Marilyn Hodge
My condolences to Mike s family. I too was one of the many individuals that was blessed to work with Mike at VA for many years starting in the Mid 80s. He was a key member of the foundational team that made the system at VA the great system it is.
Linda Weiss
Dear Debbie and Family,
I’ll never forget the day Mike came to the Radiology Department intent on convincing us to try his computerized module; I agreed to do so just to make him go away. Little did I realize that was my introduction to one of the smartest, most honest, direct, and funniest people on the planet. Mike’s contributions to Veterans’ care touched virtually every patient who came through the doors of the hospital, carrying on in the tradition of his father but with his own expertise and passion. His storytelling was legend, delivered in an “oh gosh” manner that belied the punch line no one saw coming at them. Mike’s courage in facing down his cancer for so long made him a true warrior. In thanks for the joy in having known Mike and in deepest sympathy to you, Linda Weiss
Din Cahill
Debbie and family, we are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was one of the kindest men we have ever met and enjoyed getting to know him during the years at Holy Names and LaSalle. He always had a smile and a kind word for everybody and you always felt better about life after spending time with him. He is truly at God’s right hand now. God bless Din and Carol Cahill
Melissa Joslin
Debbie — I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. It is such a great loss for you and your family. Sending a virtual hug your way!
Carla Danna
Joe Kilmade & Family,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. Myself and so many people here in St. Louis will be praying for you and your family.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Carla & Michael Danna & Family
Maureen Wallace
I just recently learned of your loss. Deb. Wish I could help you feel better but I can’t, Know this.. His Mom and Dad were there to we LL come him into the Kingdom of God and light.
Kevin Meldrum
I am so grateful to live at a time when I could know Mike and build a friendship across the many miles. I think of him often. He was a mentor, a role model and a true hero to me. His amazing combination of brilliance, humility, integrity, and work ethic impacted me and so many professionally. It was always a joy for me when we could work on projects together. Beyond his remarkable abilities, I always knew him as a genuinely good person, with deep faith and tremendous love for his wife, children and grandchildren. My sincerest condolences and most heartfelt prayers for Mike’s family.
Neil & Katie O'Connor
Mrs. Kilmade ,
I would like to offer our sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of Mr. Kilmade. He was a staple of the Hawthorne Ave neighborhood for as long as I can remember and will be missed.
Loren Wims
So sorry to hear about your loss. You’re in our prayers.
Susan K. Tobin, Director of Development
On behalf of Academy of the Holy Names, please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Michael. May all the wonderful memories you shared sustain you during this time of sorrow and loss. He shall remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Catherine Grasso
Joe and Family, you have our deepest condolences. We will be praying for you and all who loved him.
Catherine, Mike & Eliott Grasso
Ascension Chesterfield
The Shaners
Mr. K and Family –
Our family is deeply sorry for your loss. Lots of prayers and love heading your way.
The Shaners
Arsen
Please accept my sincerest condolences. I worked alongside with Mike, he was the best mentor/college I’ve had the privilege to work with.
The Vogt Family
Mr. K & family,
Our family will continue to keep you all in our prayers. Praying that God gives you strength & embraces you all during this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences,
Tom, Maria, Brady, Stella, Charlie, & Eli
Mike Braithwaite
My deepest condolences to Mike s family. I had the chance to cross paths with Mike on numerous occasions. I was blessed to work with Mike at VA for many years. He was a kind person that was always willing to jump in a help. His knowledge and brilliance were always present but his generosity to others and his family was ever present. Those that crossed paths with him are better people because of his example.
Ken Bowers
I worked with Mike in the early 2000s and I learned so much from him. He was a kind, funny, patient leader. He had great stories about his family and his children. One thing he talked about was being scorekeeper for high school basketball games. In November of 2014, I saw an article about someone in Virginia who had been a scorekeeper for decades. I sent it to Mike and asked if he was still at it. The answer came back:
“Yeah, I still do the book. Season is right around the corner too.”
“My scorebox has all kinds of notations that only myself and the coach understand. Most aren’t stats but more like a comment about a basket or foul shot.”
That’s how I think of Mike. Always looking forward, always trying to collaborate and make things work a little better.
Greg Kreis
I was very sad to hear the news of Mike’s death. He fought for his life calmly and methodically. He never seemed to lose his cool. It was those traits that made him a calming influence in a world of chaos and bias.
The thing that struck me about Mike, other than his obvious intellect, was his fairness. He worked hard to avoid biases and that opened him up to learn many new things. He was always growing his skills. When we build walls to protect a favorite idea, we lose access to new ones.
Mike was a very reasonable person, in the true sense of the word. I will forever remember him whenever I need to tear down a wall in my that life that is cutting me off from new ideas.
What a great example to his family. Thanks Mike.
George Timson
I can only echo the sorrow that Julie, Vadim, and my other VA friends have expressed here. Like his mentor, ‘the other Michael’, Mike was always intense, always sincere, and always able to laugh.
Bad news in a bad time.
–George Timson
Joel Sher
It has been about 40 years since I met Mike. Though its been a while since we were in touch, I have vivid memories of him. We worked together and he was responsible for recommending me for my programming position. He always made working with him a pleasure. His overview of a project was always thoughtful and complete. Beyond his work he was a warm friend. I will miss him.