Search by Name

Search by Name

Michael Charles Holcomb

1975 - 2020

Michael Charles Holcomb obituary, 1975-2020, Interlaken, NY

BORN

1975

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home

122 N. Genessee St.

Montour Falls, New York

Michael Holcomb Obituary

Holcomb, Michael Charles INTERLAKEN Michael Charles Holcomb, 45 of Interlaken, passed away on November 23, 2020. He was born on July 16, 1975, in Danbury, Conn., to Kathryn (Langley) Holcomb and the late William Holcomb. Mike grew up in Clifton Park, graduating from Shenendehowa High School in 1993. He earned his M.S. degree in education from SUNY Cortland in 2006 and landed his dream job at Trumansburg C.S.D. where he taught eighth-grade math until 2019. Mike took great pride in converting the math-haters and connecting with his students. He coached modified girls' soccer and several seasons with the Taughannock Soccer Club. His fondest memories included coaching an undefeated season and earning a red card over a hair tie. If you asked him, he'd say his greatest accomplishment was his family. He felt lucky to marry his best friend and start a family. He was immensely proud of his three kids and aimed to teach them the important lessons in life: how to play hard, to love fiercely, the value of a sense of humor, to appreciate time in nature, the art of sarcasm and the importance of music trivia and '80s pop-culture. Mike was a big man with a heart that matched his size and a personality that far surpassed it. He had a loud booming voice, was quick to laugh, the first to help someone in need and gave the best bear hugs with his disproportionately long arms. His friends have described him as a cross between Paul Bunyan, a teddy bear and Peter Pan. He enjoyed canoeing and hiking in the Adirondacks, bad action movies, going out to eat, rooting for the ever-disappointing Buffalo Bills, riding his motorcycle, tinkering with power tools in his man cave and doing crossword and sudoku puzzles; and he made a mean stir-fry. Mike is survived by his wife Carrie Holcomb; children, Audrey, Zach, and Natalie; mother Kathryn Holcomb (Jim VanDusen); sisters, Kelly Parker and Kathy (Bob) Burdick; in-laws, Laurie McGuire and Bill McGuire; brother-in- law Christopher (Sarah) McGuire; sister-in-law Kellie McGuire (Christopher Spatz); several nieces and nephews; and a large extended family. Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ithaca Crisis-Suicide Prevention Services of Tompkins County at https://ithacacrisis.networkforgood.com or the Michael Holcomb Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Tompkins County Trust Company, 2 W. Main St, Trumansburg, NY, 14886. To leave the family a message of condolence, or to light a "Candle of Remembrance," please visit www.vedderscottzinger.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union on Dec. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Holcomb

Not sure what to say?





A

May 23, 2023

A

May 23, 2023

A

May 23, 2023

A

May 23, 2023

Natalie

January 20, 2023

Love you dada

j

January 20, 2023

Stephanie

November 24, 2022

I think about you all the time, still to this day. I´ll always remember you as the best teacher a kid could´ve asked for. The memories are bittersweet, and I wish you were still here with us. Today is Thanksgiving, and I will forever be thankful I was able to have you as one of my teachers.

Stephanie Terwilliger

December 10, 2020

Mr Holcomb was my absolute favorite teacher I’ve ever had in my whole entire life. Eighth grade was one of the toughest years of middle school (emotionally) for me, but every day when second period pre-algebra rolled around I was in high spirits. He really knew how to connect with his students, from his funny jokes and sarcasm, to his caring and compassionate nature. He also had great taste in music (80s) and really made me appreciate just how good, and how catchy eighties music is. He really was a legendary teacher, the kind of teacher you rarely see outside of movies.

Audrey Godbey

December 4, 2020

Holcomb was my favorite teacher that I had, he was even better as a soccer coach. I remember all of us thinking that the only reason we were undefeated was because of him, and it was most definitely true, his energy encouraged all of us. I could talk to him about anything. Absolutely fantastic man, you will be missed so much that it cannot even be put into words.

Brenda shoemaker

December 4, 2020

Mike was a godsend when my son chadd was going thru his mental health crisis chadd was in high school
And spent months in elmira. When he was in a very dark place mike would visit quite often. When he wouldn’t take any other visitors he always let mr holcomb visit. He brought books played games and just chatted we weren’t even aware of his visits till I looked at the visitor logs I’m so grateful for him bringing chadd thru the darknesss and finding joy again.
I was so saddened to hear about mike and his struggles. God bless his family and please know of our love and are so very sorry of his struggles god be with all who loved him.

Tisha

December 4, 2020

My daughter was a student of Mr. Holcomb. At the eighth grade moving up ceremony she began an intense panic attack and was absolutely unable to participate. He seemed to sense what was going on and took charge. He grabbed her by the elbow and, like a true gentleman, gallantly escorted her across the stage, accepting her certificates and speaking for her. I don't think anyone truly understood what was going on because of his insight. I appreciated it then, but never really thanked him. This was a teacher who had established trust and respect with his students and knew them so well he was able to intervene that day. Thank you Mr. Holcomb, I'm sure there are so many similar incidents of his kindness.

Bill Lawrence

December 3, 2020

I have known Michael since he was 14 years old. I worked with his mom at school. He and his sisters were always very kind and respectful to me... even when I was 24 and probably weighed less than he did. He could have flipped me over with one arm tied behind his back, but he respected me because his parents did a good job raising him. The world is a better place because he was in it. My heartfelt condolences to his mom, sisters, wife, and children.

Mary Kelly

December 2, 2020

I worked at TCSD and was privileged to know Mike . He helped me help my granddaughter with her math. He was easy to work with and was willing to help the kids understand math and not be afraid of it.

Keri Sedita

December 2, 2020

I had the privilege of working with Mike at Tburg Middle. We used to joke about being able to hear each other teaching from opposite ends of the hallway. He was such an amazing friend, teacher, and mentor. He touched so many lives. What a gem of a human being. He will be missed.

Michael Blodgett

December 1, 2020

I knew Michael from working at TCSD. I worked as a cleaner but saw Mike on many occasions while I worked there. I saw the way he got the kids to learn. He Was a great guy.

Heather Murray

December 1, 2020

Mr. Holcomb was a great man and teacher. He gave everyone in the class a nickname and always made math fun. He was a laid back and out going guy. His laughter was contagious and could make you laugh no matter what. My deepest sympathy’s to his family and especially his children. He will never be forgotten and will be greatly missed.

Rachel Coney

December 1, 2020

I had the pleasure of working with Mike at TCSD , he was such an amazing teacher, and co-worker. He will be greatly missed! My thoughts and prayers to his family. Rest in peace Mike.

Terri Husted

December 1, 2020

My grandson learned to love math because of Mr.Holcomb. Mr. Holcomb not only made Math clear and rewarding, he made with his students feel secure and loved. I'm so so sad. He will never be forgotten in our family!

Gabriel Lieb

November 30, 2020

Mr. Holcomb was everything you wanted your teacher to be, and then so much more. He went above and beyond with the things he did for his students. He gave you a way to look at math differently, but not only that. If you sat down and spoke to him he helped you see the world in a different way, to see it with humor and potential. Molding young minds is remarkably difficult, and he was amazing at it. He will be missed dearly by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. I will always cherish the memories of him tutoring me while I was unable to attend school. He made that time both very enjoyable and productive.
You have my sincerest condolences,
Gabriel

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Holcomb's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Holcomb

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home

122 N. Genessee St., Montour Falls, NY 14865

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Holcomb's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more