Michael E. Vacarelli

Michael Edmond Vacarelli Sr., 92 years young, of Schenectady, passed away on December 16, 2025, at Baptist Health Center.

Born June 20, 1933, in Troy NY, he was the son of Frank Vacarelli Sr and Edith Stuart. Mr. Vacarelli attended Albany Academy and Hoosac Schools. He served in the Army National Guard during the Korean War. His father Frank was the owner of The Chrystal Lounge in Troy NY and Michael would work there when he was young. He met numerous famous stars and entertainers during that time and loved to tell stories of how they met and what they were like. Rudy Valle and Rosemary Clooney were two of his favorites.

It became clear his true passion was printing and for over 60 years, it remained. He owned and operated several shops, often helped by his children, especially Michael Jr. His favorite thing to do next to cooking and collecting cookbooks was to visit Cape Cod, its beautiful beaches and eat lobster. He tried to go there often through the years.

Survived by his partner in crime and best friend, Linda Hiserote and daughters, Lara Webster Vacarelli, Michelle Wilson (Andy), Mia Wirth (Carl), Margie Ventrone (Andy), Sons, Francis Vacarelli (Mary), Michael Vacarelli Jr., Mark Vacarelli (Roccatel), Monte Vacarelli and Mario Vacarelli (Kate) and Scampi his beloved dog. Also survived by his grandchildren, Benjamin, Nicolle, Mia, Nick, Zack, Jeremy, Joey, Paige, Devan, David, Emily, Isabella, Anthony, Nick, Paige, Alyssa and Greg, several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Michael is also survived by his brother, Frank Vacarelli Jr.

In addition to his mother, Edith and father, Frank, he was predeceased by his ex-wife, June Carter and sister-in-law, Pat Vacarelli and his loving canine companions, Whitney and Louie.

Friends may call on January 9, 2026 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. A memorial service will follow immediately after. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens, located at 983 Watervliet Shaker Road, Colonie.

A special thank you to the fifth-floor Cardiac unit at Ellis Hospital and to the wonderful caring staff at Baptist Health Center who made his last days so comforting.