Harry F. Michaels

Monday, September 26th. 2016 at 11:40 pm, Harry Ford Michaels peacefully passed away at the age of 89. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Beryl Irene Michaels; son David and daughter Linda. Survived by his children, Dr. Susan (Arden) Michaels – Strasser and Martin (Sarah) Michaels; loving caretakers and granddaughter, Lindsay (Michael Calabrese) and Lauren; Grandchildren, Kacie, Cory, Ashley (Ryan), Shannon, Melissa, Chloe, and Alea; great-grandchildren, Jamie, Jakob, Logan, and Madison.
Harry was originally from Beaverdale, a small town in Cambria County, PA. A football and baseball player, Harry graduated from High School in 1945. Immediately following graduation at the young age of 17, Harry volunteered for the United States Navy. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans before returning to civilian life after a tour of duty and the conclusion of WWII. Harry took immense pride in his service, seldom seen outside without a hat indicating the ships he served on or his veteran status.
His 20's were quite a busy time. Harry moved to Rochester in the 1950's where he would play amateur baseball with his brother Vaughn, and later work until retirement for Mixco (now known as Lightnin- SPX) located on Mt. Read Blvd. In 1961, he would marry the love of his life, Beryl Irene Michaels. With her came two sons, Martin and David, creating a family of four. That same decade two baby girls would complete his family, Linda Irene and Susan Diane. In the 1970's he served as a board member and President of the Gates-Chili school board.
Harry's love of country did not conclude with his military service, as he actively campaigned for the greater prosperity of our nation. He actively led letter campaigns to all branches and levels of government, including varies legal actions in attempt to corrective laws or situations he felt unjust or incomplete. Harry was an active member of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. While identifying as a Christian and as an active member of Greece Baptist Church for many decades, he felt resolute in his belief that religious expression was not to be a part of an intentionally secular Government's policy and tradition. Harry was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Masonic Masons and the American Legion.
Harry's many interests included politics and reading as well as coin and baseball card collecting. History, specifically the American Civil War, was a most favored pastime. His love for history and politics was shared with his granddaughter Lindsay, for whom he happily carried out edits on her Civil War Bachelor's Thesis via postal mail. Harry and Beryl took Lindsay, Lauren and Melissa on many road trips throughout the more historical sites of the US, including Washington DC, Virginia, Boston, and Gettysburg. He voraciously read everything he could get his hands on, especially historical biographies. Harry read the D&C daily, watched late night talk shows, and enjoyed the nightly news until his last days.
Harry's most treasured activities involved supporting his family, specifically his nine grandchildren. In 2011, the Spencerport Soccer team presented Harry and Beryl with the 'Most Valuable Fans' award. This award was most fitting as throughout their entire lives Harry and Beryl attended every game, recital, play, concert, banquet, graduation or school activity that they could for their children and grandchildren. Their endless support of their family and the children of the Gates-Chili and Spencerport communities never went unnoticed by those around them.
During the three and a half years after Beryl's unexpected passing, Harry became more and more reliant on his wheelchair. However, he still stayed in the Appian Drive home he had purchased for his family in 1961. When this was no longer possible, Harry took up residence at the Brightonian Nursing Home on Elmwood Avenue. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff, especially the Nurses and Aides, who assisted Harry, Lindsay and Lauren during this challenging time.
Friends and Family may call from 10-12 PM Saturday, October 1st at New Comer Funeral Home, 2636 Ridgeway Ave., where a funeral ceremony will be celebrated following the calling at 12 PM. Interment to follow at White Haven Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of Harry's Wife, Beryl and Daughter, Linda.