Michael Tolan

Tolan, Michael
CLIFTON PARK - Michael D. Tolan, age 56, died peacefully at his home, on July 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Michael was born on December 29, 1968, in Miami, Fla., and was the son of the late David J. and Teresa M. (Ryan) Tolan.
Mike attended Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, N.J., and furthered his education at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y., earning his bachelor's degree in political science. He later completed his master's degree in education at Union College. Michael's professional career began in politics, working at first for the U.S. Congress. He later worked for, and closely with, New York Governor George Pataki. Part of Mike's heart was always in New Jersey and his career path returned him home to take positions in the New Jersey Governor's Office and State Assembly. Eventually Mike and Renee returned to New York, where Mike transitioned into the field of education, and most notably served as the Principal of Bishop Maginn High School in Albany, N.Y., until the school's closing in 2022. He returned to the classroom and continued his career in education at O'Rourke Middle School in Burnt Hills, teaching Social Studies until his cancer diagnosis on March 19, 2025.
Mike was an avid New Jersey Devils, New York Yankees, New York Giants, and New York Knicks fan. Among his greatest joys later in life was bringing his beloved daughters to Devils games throughout the season. He also loved all things to do with the movies, television, and music. With music in particular, Michael was a walking encyclopedia of rock and roll, though even this was an outgrowth of his love of history. Bruce Springsteen never had a more devoted fan. Michael attended more E Street Band concerts than can accurately be accounted for. But, before all else, Michael Tolan was a reader. From his earliest days, when his favorite book was Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham, to ever so many thousands of books over the years, right up until his passing, Mike needed nothing more to be content than a good book. It was not unusual for him to actively be reading multiple books at a time. From Stephen King to Cormac McCarthy to David McCullough and everything in between, few subjects escaped his purview. His love of movies was almost as strong, and those who knew him remember with fondness his enthusiasm for introducing them to great movies they might not otherwise have known about.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Renee (Smith) Tolan; his adored daughters, Sydney and Addison (Addy) Tolan; his brother, Thomas J. (Sara Hamilton) Tolan; and his half-brother, Brett (Hilary) Albro. Mike is also survived by his birth mother, Barbara (Gary) Albro, with whom he reconnected later in life, and built a wonderful relationship.
Relatives and friends are warmly invited to pay their respects on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., at Townley and Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Rd., Ballston Lake, N.Y. 12019.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at St. Mary's Church, 167 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, N.Y. 12020.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests support for Sydney and Addy's future educational endeavors. The GoFund Me set up for Mike's medical expenses will remain open and funds will be shifted to this purpose. If you would like to make a contribution please go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-tolan-family-through-cancer-battle/cl/o?lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&attribution_id=sl%3Ad2a4b469-b950-48ae-9199-0120dab14044&v=amp14_t2
With confidence, the family has placed their trust in the loving care of the Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Rd., Ballston Lake, and they encourage you to view and leave messages on Michael's Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com