Michael Martin Mulholland

Saratoga Springs - Michael Martin Mulholland passed away on October 25, 2021, at the age of 74, in his hometown of Saratoga Springs, New York. Forged by a lifetime full of invaluable experiences, Mike was a father figure to many, a horse racing fanatic, and always quick with a joke. The self-proclaimed inventor of House Special Lo Mein (a dubious assertion subject to considerable historical dispute), he was also a gifted storyteller and writer, an aficionado of classic movies, and the best friend a dog could ever hope to have.

Born on January 14, 1947, Mike was the eldest of seven children. His mother, Irene, was a tough but doting war bride that fell in love with Mike’s father, Maurice “Buddy” Mulholland, while he was serving in England during WWII. Mike grew up in his family’s home on Saratoga’s West Side and graduated from Saratoga High School. It was during his senior year that he met the love of his life, Janet, at a Saturday night school dance held at St Peter’s Academy.

After high school, Mike attended SUNY Delhi and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. Unimpressed by this accomplishment, the Army drafted him anyway and sent him on an all-expense-paid trip to Vietnam. Mike completed basic training at Fort Dix and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Jackson, then he was off to specialized training at British Jungle Warfare School in Malaysia. His training complete, Mike reported to the 101st Airborne Division as a member of the 557th Combat Tracker Platoon, primarily serving his tour of duty in the A Shau Valley of Vietnam. Although faced with the challenges of war, Mike’s experiences honed his maturity, provided him with numerous life-long friends, and afforded a near-bottomless well of stories for those lucky enough to be within earshot. He served proudly alongside his beloved tracker dog Biz, a truly formative experience that often shaped the stories he told, and the two built a bond that culminated in Biz springing an ambush to save Mike’s life at the cost of his own.

Throughout Mike’s tour in Vietnam, the girl from that high school dance never left his thoughts. Despite the dangers afforded by infantry combat, Mike returned safely home to his beloved Janet, and distance had not diminished their love for each other. They were married on December 6, 1969, at St Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs, and began building their lives together. They welcomed their first son, Ian, in July of 1972. They continued to build their family with the arrival of daughters Katie and Rita, and son Mikey, in the decade that followed.

Mike found his calling working with mechanical systems, drawing on his education in mechanical engineering to quickly progress through an apprenticeship to become a licensed Master Plumber. He hung out his shingle and opened his own business, finding a way to merge two of his passions: mechanical systems and serving his community. Elements of his business philosophy at On Call Plumbing and HVAC were defined by the depth of his caring and a commitment to serving others, and he considered employees and customers to be extended family and valued friends. Mike’s ethos established a legacy to continue serving the community that he loved despite his passing.

In his leisure time Mike enjoyed the excitement afforded by horse racing, an interest built on time spent with his father and from working at Saratoga Race Course during his formative years. The racing atmosphere, the thrill of cheering a sprint down the stretch, and the spirit of those noble horses all fueled his boundless enthusiasm for the sport. Not content to merely stand at the rail and watch, Mike tried his hand at horse breeding, and he was named the 1985 New York State Breeder of the Year for Turf Fillies and Mares for his stakes-winning horse ‘Wimborne Sky.’ Mike’s love of the sport afforded countless fond memories to friends and family, from roving the back stretch at the track to enjoying warm summer days listening to the races by the pool.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother Irene, father Maurice, sisters Martha and Victoria, and son Ian. Remaining to celebrate his legacy are his wife Janet, children Katie (DJ), Rita, and Mikey (Jennifer), and brothers Mark (Denise), Paul, Jimmy (Sharon), Joey (Tammy), and de facto brother Dennis. Also carrying Mike’s memory forward are six grandchildren (Austin, Michael, Kaitlyn, Kelly, Jonathan, and Mallory) and a wealth of nephews and nieces.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Saratoga Hospital for the tremendously heartfelt care they gave to Mike.

Those wishing to pay their respects are invited to call from 5-7pm on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY (518-584-5373). ***Everyone in attendance will be required to wear a face mask/covering.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to the Old Friends at Cabin Creek thoroughbred retirement farm at www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com.