Suddenly on Sept. 24, 2019, Michel S. Hutchinson died from an ongoing medical condition. He is survived by Diana Cole, his significant other and his parents, Suzanne Hutchinson (Sid Fisher) and Robert Hutchinson (Vicky) of Concord, N.Y.
Michel was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mary Louise and Lawrence T. Tiernan; his paternal grandparents, Robert C. Hutchinson, Sr., of Milford, CT and Judith and Thomas McGuire of Deer Isle, ME. His aunt, Sharon Pritchard of Milford, CT, and several very favorite members of the Tiernan family, Aunt Mae and Uncle Frank Tiernan; Uncle Frank (Buck) Focer.
He is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Jan (Gary) Rodgers of Pittsburgh, PA; Thomas (Dr. Cheuk Bong Tang) Tiernan of Pittsburgh, PA; Charles (Marc Zanola) Tiernan of Aliso Viejo, CA; and Judith (David) Ross of Newburyport, MA, and many nieces and nephews.
Michel was born on June 30, 1970, in Pittsburgh, PA. Friendly by nature, Mike acquired many new friends after moving to Skaneateles in 1978. He attended Skaneateles schools.
Since his extended family lived primarily in Pittsburgh, Mike quickly established friendships with his friends’ parents who became his early mentors, including Mr. and Mrs. Robert (Pat) Bowling and Mr. and Mrs. Robert (Vicky) Wheeler.
Mike graduated from Cayuga Community College with a degree in telecommunications, where his mentors, Professors Stephen Keeler, Robert Frame and the late Richard Mahlstead, encouraged his educational pursuits and enjoyed his sense of humor.
After Mike chose not to continue in his original field, he pursued several career paths. Landing a position at E. John Gavras Center in Auburn, Mike found how rewarding it was to become a caregiver for individuals with special needs.
The Gavras Center also provided opportunities to work in the homes of individuals during the weekends. During one of these assignments, Mike’s path crossed with Father Albert Shamon, a highly regarded priest from the Auburn area. Father Shamon’s gentle demeanor touched Mike’s heart. Mike often stated that Father Shamon restored his faith in God.
Mike moved to Florida in 2014. He continued working with people with special needs. His main goal was always to create a situation that would make “his kids” laugh.
A memorial service celebrating Mike’s life will be held on Nov. 16 at St. James Episcopal Church in Skaneateles. The memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. with calling hours immediately following in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions be made in Michel’s memory to St. James Episcopal Church, Skaneateles; Borodino United Methodist Church, Skaneateles; Cayuga Community College, Auburn; E. John Gavras Center, Auburn; or to a charity of your choice.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.