Michael G. Woolheater 1954 - 2021
REMSEN - Michael G. Woolheater, 66, passed away, peacefully, on March 15th, after a heroic battle with cancer.
Michael was born on July 8, 1954 to Jean (Woolheater) Bonney. He was raised in Utica, but at 16, he moved to Remsen, where he met his high school sweetheart, Laureen. After graduation from Remsen High School, Michael served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS John F. Kennedy. He then went on to graduate from Mohawk Valley Community College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He spent most of career as a skilled pressman at Canterbury Press before changing careers and becoming a pharmacy technician at Marcy Correctional.
A true man of the woods, Michael loved hunting, fishing, kayaking, hiking and boating. But his true passion was music. Michael self-taught himself to play the harmonica and the guitar, but he was mostly known in the community for his harp playing. He would "jam out" at Unity Hall and countless other venues, developing a strong kinship among area musicians. He had an ear for music and could easily blend in with bluegrass, blues, rock or even folk, even if he had never heard the song before. Even though Michael had a lot of passion and zest for life, his true love was for his family.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Laureen B. Woolheater; his daughter, Jessica C. Kokoszki; son-in-law, Jess J. Kokoszki; six brothers and sisters, Patricia (Steve) Miller (his "favorite" sister), Georgieanna (Mark) Brenning, Kelly (Gary) Beauregard, Richard (Angel) Woolheater, Kathleen (Mark) McLoughlin and David (Melissa) Woolheater; in-laws, Kathleen, Colleen (Edwin) Williams and Michael (Renee Migliaccio) Martin; and countless nieces and nephews.
Michael was predeceased by his mother, Jean (Woolheater) Bonney; his mother-in-law, Nancy Boulanger; his niece, Stephanie Excell; and nephew, Alex Cooley.
Michael was the anchor of his family. He kept his family together and told it like it was. His greatest joy was spending daddy/daughter date nights with his daughter, Jessica. Whether it was going to a concert, a Broadway musical or just sitting in front of a fire talking, they always made time for each other. His legacy will live on through memories and music, "if music be the food of love, play on…" - William Shakespeare
Those wishing to honor Michael's memory may send a donation to Laureen Woolheater, 10408 Fuller Rd., Remsen, NY 13148. All donations received will be divided between Remsen Central School and Donovan Middle School's Music Programs.
No services will be held at this time. There will be a Celebration of Life over the summer.
A special thank you to Colleen and Edwin Williams, who stayed with Michael and Laurie for the past week and helped with his care.
Arrangements by Heintz Funeral Service, Inc.
Online messages of sympathy may be made at Heintzfuneralservice.net.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Observer-Dispatch from Mar. 17 to Mar. 18, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Woolheater

Sponsored by unknown new funeral home from obit intake.

6 Entries

Edw Kulesza family

March 19, 2021

We, of Edward Kulesza family, offer our deepest condolences to Michael´s family,
Mike faithfully remembered his ailing uncle with many phone calls , virtual hunting trips, & hunting newspapers. Even when Mike & friend Randy went on hunting trips they shared their exploits with uncle Ed via phone call.
Mike was truly a good man/nephew & we all loved him & respected him.
He IS missed.

David Bagley

March 18, 2021

Although I only knew him for a couple of years, Mike was a good friend to me and a good man. I enjoyed immensely communing and playing music with him, because he was so gifted and had such a good humor. I will miss his talent, and Mike the man, terribly and am so sorry for the loss of him.

Cindy Westphal

March 18, 2021

Some of my fondest memories are of spending time with Mike and Laurie in Barneveld and Remsen. Mike and Laurie came to Buffalo for mine and Brent's wedding. Mike agreed to be best man even though the wedding was right in the middle of hunting season, November 24th.
He was a true friend of Brent's throughout their naval adventures (careers).
I am thankful that you were a part of our lives.
Laurie and Jessica I am so sorry.

Cindy Erica and Kevin
Westphal

Kevin Seiple

March 17, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Kevin Seiple

March 17, 2021

I met Mike At Canterbury press in the 1980's. We soon hit it off. We became friends. Work partners and hunting fishing and he even tried teaching the harmonica. We went on work related trips and had a ball. We shared so many life stories. He was a pro at events talking and presenting at retirement parties. He taught me how to shoot a bow and muzzle loader. Im so sad losing a past coworker and best of all a friend. A very good friend. He will be missed and I pray for his lovely family.

Christine Redmond

March 17, 2021

Mike was very special to mom and I after losing my own father. We looked forward to seeing him perform as it gave us so much joy. We love you Mike, and we were blessed to call you family. Laurie and Jessica, we are forever grateful for having Mike in our lives. He was a special man and he will not be forgotten. May God give you peace and comfort in the knowledge that Mike touched so many people.

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