Obituary of Michael Mahardy

WHITESBORO – Michael E. Mahardy, age 57, a lifelong Whitesboro resident, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday evening, December 6, 2018 in the privacy of his home. At the time of his passing he had the love of his devoted dog, Frankie, who never left his side.

Born on February 10, 1961, Michael was the son of the late James W. and Marion E. (McCoy) Mahardy. He spent his childhood in Whitesboro and was a graduate of Whitesboro High School, after which he attended Mohawk Valley Community College and earned his degree in Electrical Engineering.

Mike spent his career with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #43. He thoroughly enjoyed his work and developed many lifelong friendships as a union electrician on local construction projects.

Mike loved to bust chops, socialize and spend time with his family and many, many friends. If he loved you, he didn’t hesitate to show it; and if he didn’t like you, he wasn’t afraid to let you know that either! He told it like it was and was as down to earth as they come. He enjoyed his down time and when he wasn’t working he could be found at one of his favorite bars, sharing laughs and stories with anyone who had the pleasure of being with him.

As an avid angler, Mike spent countless hours out on his boat fishing, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature and the outdoors. He was fond of traveling and often took off to South Carolina and Florida to visit with friends. A true demonstration to Mike’s character, however, was his love and devotion that he showed for his dogs. His latest sidekick and fur baby, Frankie, could often be found with his “Dad” while out and about; a testament to the genuineness, warmth and outgoing nature of the man we knew as Michael “Mike” Mahardy.

Mike’s legacy will live on through those that he leaves behind. He is survived by his sisters and brother-in-law, Laurie Mahardy and Kathy and Rich Sylvester, all of Stephentown, NY; his nephew, Michael Sylvester of Stephentown; his niece, Michelle Sylvester of Clifton Park; his great-nephew, Logan Sylvester; his group of friends, whom Mike loved as brothers: Ken Smith, Vinny Surace, Dan Cozza, Joel Gossin, Emil Streeter, Paul Rabbia, Greg Nadeau, John Mabry and Chuckie Natale; as well as his neighbors and close friends, Norm, Walt and Billy. He also loved and cherished the relationship he shared with Victoria Iusi-Lamascolo, whom Mike cared for as if she was his own daughter; as well as the friendships he shared with the staffs of Lukin’s, DeMatteo’s and Knuckleheads.

Mike was predeceased by his parents and his canine companions, Coco and Mandy.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Michael’s funeral service which will commence on Tuesday morning, January 15, 2019 at 11:30AM at St. Paul’s Church in Whitesboro, with a receiving line to follow. His earthly remains will be laid to rest along with his parents in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro.

For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio Street, Utica, NY 13502.

Mike’s final arrangements have been entrusted to Martin L. Ciaccia and Harry and Kevin Enea, funeral directors of the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.