Michael David Sugarman

Michael David Sugarman died on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at Kingsway Nursing Home in Schenectady where he had been a resident for several years. He was 80. Son of Emanuel and Florence Sugarman he was born in Hempstead, New York on December 7, 1935. He is survived by his former wife, Abigail Sugarman, who remained his devoted friend; his eldest son, Daniel Sugarman and daughter-in-law, Dorothy Wetzel; their son and daughter, Alex and Flora; and his younger son, Franz Sugarman, and daughter-in-law, Sharon Berger; and their sons, Oliver and Sam; and his sister, Toni Pickard, her husband, Michael Pickard; and their daughter and son, Hanna and Zach. Michael David Sugarman graduated from the Hotchkiss School ('53), Harvard College (BA '57), and Brandeis University (MA '59). He studied English Literature and went on to teach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Skidmore College, and Union College. He later became the Executive Director of ACOI (Albany County Opportunity Inc.). He was a member of the NAACP and lifelong advocate for civil rights, registering voters in Mississippi in the early 1960s and participating in the March on Washington in 1963 and Poor Peoples Campaign in 1968. He played the viola and, as a listener and contributor to WMHT FM, found great comfort in music. We are grateful to all of our fellow WMHT supporters. The family would like to extend thanks to the staff at Kingsway, the staff at the Franklin Street Clinic, Mike Colletti, Bob DiNovo, Christina Tangredi Seagroatt, the employees of Ambition in downtown Schenectady and its owner, Marc Renson, for always making Michael feel welcome. A memorial service will be held for invited family and friends.