Robert Joseph Michael PhD

Bob Michael, 77, of Pine Bush, NY, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at Garnet Hospital during emergency surgery for a cardiac event.
Bob was born August 22, 1946, in Lowell, MA. Shortly after, his family moved to Auburn, ME. He graduated from Auburn schools and received a BS from the State University of Maine at Farmington, an MS from USC in Los Angeles, a Certificate of Advanced Study from SUNY New Paltz, and a PhD from Fordham University in NYC. Bob taught special education in Falmouth, ME, for a number of years before moving to NY and teaching special education courses at SUNY New Paltz. Bob had been the Dean of the School of Education for many years at SUNY New Paltz and an educational consultant and published author.
Upon retiring, Bob volunteered with Puppies Behind Bars program at the Wallkill Correctional Facility, the Lab Rescue program in Pine Bush, NY, and the Pine Bush Food Pantry. He also enjoyed playing Pickleball, kayaking, watching football (especially the NY Giants), playing the drums as he once did professionally, and vacationing at Old Orchard Beach, ME.
Bob will always be remembered for his handlebar mustache and big smile.
Bob is survived by his spouse, Diann, to whom he was married for one week shy of their 47th wedding anniversary. Bob was most proud of his children Rob (Marc), Holly (Rob), and Jenna (Peter), and was constantly talking about his grandchildren Isabella and Logan and their accomplishments. Bob is also survived by his brothers Danny (Patrice) and Tommy (Patty) and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Catherine, sister Maureen (Harry), and his in-laws, Joe and Mary.
As per Bob's wishes, there was no wake or funeral services. Cremation took place under the direction of DeWitt-Martinez Funeral Home in Pine Bush, NY.