Dennis James Michalski

Dennis James Michalski, 71, of Colonie, New York, passed away quietly in his sleep on Friday, November 5, 2021, at his home. He was born June 18, 1950, in Rochester, New York, the youngest son of Anthony and Agnes (Zavacki) Michalski. He spent his childhood playing sports and in the Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Scout at 13. Dennis attended the prestigious Aquinas Institute, graduating in 1968 with honors. He attended the State University of New York at Geneseo, graduating in 1972 with a BS in Political Science. During breaks from college, Dennis found his calling and future occupation as a journalist, working for the Democrat & Chronicle in Rochester. Dennis was an active and proud member of the Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity. During a Phi Sig party, he met his future wife, Patricia (Nizinkirck) Michalski. Dennis and Pat started dating shortly after that and were married on July 22, 1972. The newlyweds moved to Gloversville, New York, where he would continue his work in journalism at the Leader Herald. At the Herald, he covered football and basketball games at Gloversville High School. Dennis moved on to the Knickerbocker News in Albany in 1978 as a copy editor and rose through the ranks to become the executive news editor. He and Pat bought a home off Lincoln Avenue in the Village of Colonie in 1981, where they remained for 40 years. Dennis was a devoted father and very involved in the community. In the 1980s, anyone driving up Lincoln Avenue could see a game of basketball in the driveway, catches on the front lawn, or a touch football game on Ridge Terrace with his boys. The pool in the backyard was the centerpiece of many family parties and post-baseball season celebrations. He served as an officer in Colonie Little League for close to 15 years, serving as President and Treasurer, and served as the President of Colonie Babe Ruth for two years. His impact on those programs is still visible today. Dennis was a life-long scout and served as an Assistant Scoutmaster to Troop 278. He was the Eagle Scout coordinator and worked with many scouts to help them attain the highest rank in scouting. Dennis would write letters to local and national dignitaries on behalf of the boys to receive their congratulations. He would also organize their courts of honor. He enjoyed campouts, particularly the winter freeze out where he'd wear shorts in the cabin at Camp Rotary for fun. No one knew their knots better than Dennis. Dennis worked at the Times Union as photo editor and the executive city editor. As photo editor, he ushered in the digital age of photography for the paper. He left the newspaper industry for a job as the director of community affairs for the NYS Emergency Management Organization in 1997. Initially, he was convinced the state's only disaster was the Buffalo Bills, but that changed as he supported significant events in the state's history on the ground starting with TWA Flight 800 and ending with the floods in Schoharie County from Hurricane Irene. In between, he coordinated responses to ice storms, tornados, and 9/11. Dennis ended his career as the Public Information officer for the NY State Emergency Management and Office of Homeland Security before his retirement in 2011. In retirement, Dennis spent time with his beloved border collie Cody as well as his grandkids and puttering around the house doing small projects. Ever a perfectionist, he took pride in his landscaping abilities. He enjoyed reading, Westerns, American History, lounging around the pool, and his Cubbies and Bills. A life-long Cubs fan, Dennis was beside himself in 2016 when his Cubbies finally broke the curse. A life-long Bills fan, he would tell you at least they got to four straight Super Bowls. Dennis enjoyed traveling with Pat all over the globe, particularly the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Italy, Mexico, Australia, and recently Ireland. One of his favorite trips was exploring the National Parks. Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Patricia Michalski, his two sons, Jim (Heather) Michalski and Mark (Gabrielle) Michalski, three grandchildren, Caylin Michalski, Theo Michalski, and Elliot Michalski, his sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathy-Jo Michalski, Anne and Tom Marsolais, and Lois Wigmore, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Agnes (Zavacki) Michalski, and his brother Ronald Michalski. A funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Reverend John Bradley on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 11 a.m. in the Church of St. Clare, 1947 Central Avenue, Colonie, NY. The Rite of Committal and interment will follow in St. Basil's Cemetery, Maplewood, NY and will be officiated by Archpriest Peter Olsen. Friends are invited to attend and may also visit with the Michalski family on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Parker Brothers Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet, NY. The family requests that all attendees please wear facial masks to both the visitation and services regardless of vaccination status. Those wishing to remember Dennis in a special way may send a donation to St. Basil's Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, 6 Lansing Avenue, Watervliet, NY 12189 or The American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205, www.heart.org Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parkerbrosmemorial.com.