Michael James Falkenstein

Michael James Falkenstein, age 61, passed away in the loving arms of his family on Thursday, April 3, 2025. He died just as he lived, surrounded by family, friends, music, love and laughter. Mike is predeceased by his mother and father, Clarene and Robert Williamson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kellie Burke, and his two beautiful daughters, Dr. Danielle Kathleen Falkenstein, MD (Mitch Staebell), and the amazing Miss Molly Michael Falkenstein. He is also survived by brothers: Dr. Richard Falkenstein, PhD (Melissa), Robert Falkenstein, and David Williamson; Sisters: Sharon Barchet (Ken), Robbin Bourque (Scott), Lisa Greider (Bill), Kathy Achter (Darran); Soul Brother, Dan Burke and sister and brother-in-law, Kathie and James Mitchell.

Mike loved being an uncle. He was “that uncle!” He is survived by and blessed with the following brood of amazing nieces and nephews. Dr. Devin Burke, MD (Dr. Sarah, MD), Dr. Courtnie Kriete, PhD (Ricky), Kaylee Thompson (Brett), DJ Mitchell (Mary Kate Harrigan), Eva Falkenstein (Sean Heffler), Solicitor Daniel Barchet (Lauren), Joe Barchet, Dr. Thom Barchet, PhD (Dr. Rachel, PhD), Pam Barchet (Jay Clifford), Dean Bourque (Kyle), Neal Bourque, Carissa Weston (Lyle), Annalyse Greider (Anthony Alonci), Taylor Greider (Jeff Tonzi), Katelyn Scozzari (Gino), LeighAnn Achter (Joe Bolger); cousins: Kim Mincer (Doug), Michelle Wansha (Nick), and Tracy Holcomb. Mike was also blessed to have many grandnephews and nieces, including his special little guy, Luca. Mike was cherished by his large family. He brought music and laughter to every gathering. His impromptu Easter song, “Take the Ham Home,” was a crowd favorite, as was the epic movie directed by Mike and filmed at Bradley Brook called, “The Patch.” Mike is also survived by his Brookedge Drive family, his camping tribe, his coworkers at the Brockport Central School District and The Holley HS/MS musical family. He was loved by all who met him.

Mike loved his job at the Ginther School. He went above and beyond to help the children in his care, but by far his favorite roles of all were, son, brother, uncle, husband, dog dad and stay-at-home father to his two beautiful daughters. He learned how to brush and style their hair. He even went as far as to call his wife at work when first grade Molly insisted on wearing vertical stripes on top and horizontal stripes on the bottom. He wanted confirmation that this was indeed the fashion faux pas that he thought it was. He imbued a sense of fearless wonder in his girls. He showed them endless creativity and gave them the confidence to be anyone or anything they wanted to be. He was the most amazing dad in the world.

Mike was truly a homebody at heart. Everyone was welcome at his kitchen table for cocktails and home-cooked meals and at his piano for a song of their choosing. One of his most frequent guests was his dear friend, Maggie, who always stayed for a night of laughter, music, and dance. The night always ended with a rendition of, “Dog and Butterfly.”

Mike met his wife Kellie during a 1983 production of “Grease” for the Bishop Kearney Alumni Theatre Guild. Kellie played Sandy and Mike played the keyboard in the pit directed by her brother, Dan. This was a trio that would stick together through thick and thin. Mike became Kellie’s accompanist for life.

Mike was a self-taught musician. He played the piano, drums, accordion, guitar, bass, and anything that didn’t play him. He was also a vocalist and a brilliant songwriter. He was a founding member of many bands around Rochester, including The Masterbrass, where he worked alongside his wife and brother-in-law for 28 years. He is also survived by his brothers in music who played up to four gigs a weekend with him. Mike also enjoyed 33 years of working with the students at the Holley HS/MS as the maestro in the pit band. He always took the time to help students perfect their vocals and characters.

Mike was a creative genius. He could fix anything. He fancied himself “MacGyver.” He would collect scrap wood and materials from the side of the road and create the most amazing pieces of art, including a tree house for his girls complete with a Pagoda room that had a sliding door and a kitchen with a sink that had running water. He also loved gardening, flowers and camping outdoors. Not too many people know that he was an aspiring stand-up comedian. He sent many of his bits to the family group chat for approval. He was an observer of life and an amazing philosopher. His deep conversations will be greatly missed.

Michael was an unsung hero to many. He loved very deeply. He thought very deeply. He had a special bond with everyone who was fortunate enough to be in his circle. Lao Tzu once said, “The flame that burns twice as bright, burns half as long.” His light will never dim. It will burn forever in our hearts and keep us illuminated until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers, feed the hungry, live with grace and kindness, dance, sing, and hold your dear ones a little closer. Also, please consider donating to a scholarship in Mike’s name that the family is working to establish for the Brockport School District. Donations may be sent to Brockport CSD, Attention Business Office, 40 Allen Street, Brockport NY 14420 (Falkenstein Scholarship mentioned in the memo line).

As per Mike’s wishes, there will not be calling hours or traditional services. We will send him off in typical “Mike fashion,” by having an Irish Wake (Big Party) in his honor at a later date. As is typical of the family that surrounded him, “All are welcome!”

Mike’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Holley, NY.

To share a special memory of Mike, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.