Michael M. Mullarkey

Tillson - Michael M. Mullarkey, 94, of Tillson died on February, 14, 2025 in Newton, Massachusetts. Affectionately called "Poppy" by all who knew him. He was born in September 22, 1930 in Masshill, County Sligo, Ireland to Anthony and Mary Ellen (Conmy) Mullarkey. He and his wife, Kate Mullarkey, made their home in Tillson where they have lived for over 50 years.
Mike was most proud of being a father to his children, Eileen Mullarkey and her husband Michael Horowitz, Dee Sterling and her husband Michael Sterling, Ita Mullarkey and her husband Fred Calnan, and Matthew Mullarkey and his wife Maureen Landers; and the grandfather to Leslie Bateman and her husband Robert Bateman, Ali Horowitz and husband Scott Knackmuhs, Erica Horowitz and husband Spencer Ruskin, Tia Horowitz, Conor Calnan and his wife Katherine, Kevin and Mark Calnan, Sean and Peter Sterling, and Max and Leila Mullarkey. He was the loving great-grandfather to Charlotte and Winnie Bateman.
Mike served in the US Air Force for 4 years and spent over 30 years employed by AT&T and other phone companies. He worked hard to ensure that his children were all able to attend and graduate from college. While living in Tillson, Mike was a life member with Tillson Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of the Rosendale - Tillson American Legion Legion Post 1219.
Mike will be remembered for his love of his birthplace, Ireland, and his amazing storytelling abilities, which were often about his time growing up in Masshill. He could do a mean Stack of Barley on the dance floor and loved Irish tunes, especially "Danny Boy". He enjoyed traveling, visiting China, Peru, Australia, and Europe. Mike was also an avid reader and had an amazing command of world history. His humor and love of a good joke made him such an enjoyable person to be around. His gift to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were two books that he penned, one called, "Poppy Tales", which tells the story of Alfred the Bear who lives in the woods in Tillson and "Full of Mullarkey: A Collection of Poppy Tales", which provides insight into his life growing up in Ireland, immigration to the USA, his marriage to Kate and raising his children in his most perfect place, Tillson, NY.
A private graveside ceremony will be held at Rosendale Plains Cemetery. George J. Moylan Funeral Home Inc., Rosendale, is assisting his family.