Michael D. Sowich

Mr. Michael D. Sowich, age 50, of New Hartford, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 2, 2007, while attending the Fire Academy in Baltimore, MD. Born in Chicago, Illinois on April 9, 1956, Michael was the son of the late Leon and Donna (Sorenson) Sowich. Raised and educated locally, he was a 1975 graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. He then pursued his studies at M.V.C.C., earning an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He also received diplomas from the U.S. Army for training in medical and police studies. As a proud veteran, Michael’s military experience spanned 20 years, including a tour in Germany. He was also a reservist with the 331st General Hospital Unit on Burrstone Rd. serving as a medical specialist. On June 27, 1981 he married the former Barbara Lynn Bailey with whom he shared and celebrated over 25 years of marriage. The couple knew a close bond of love and friendship and mutually raised a family. In 1980 Michael accepted a security position at Oneida Limited, an occupation he held for 27 years prior to his untimely passing. A proud time during his firefighting career training included his studies at the Academy of Fire Science at Montour Falls. This certification yielded him the opportunity to fulfill his passion to teach other firefighters to perform in a safe and competent manner. He conscientiously served the community as a member of the Sherrill Kenwood Fire Dept. since 1991, where he was also a training officer. Additionally, he was the City of Sherrill Fire Inspector, and more recently he joined the ranks of the New Hartford Fire Dept. In order to fulfill his commitment level to fire fighting and prevention, he realized a goal when he attained the position of State Fire Instructor for the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. He was also certified as a HAZMAT specialist. Michael’s inherent resolve, as all fire fighters know and proclaim, was that others’ safety comes first. He lived by the precept that “If he could save one person’s life, he did his job”. This was an accomplished goal which made him proud. He was a loyal member of numerous fire fighting organizations. A patriotic and family-oriented man, Michael adored his loved ones, his work, and his country. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Michael is survived by his wife Barbara; and his cherished daughter Lisa Marie Sowich who was the apple of her dad’s eye. Also surviving are his sisters and brother-in-law, Barbara Loomis of Utica, and Susan and Robert Kubelius of Herkimer; his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Vanessa Sowich of New Hartford; and several step-siblings including Brian Sowich and Earl Sowich. His extended family includes several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; his father-in-law, Clarence Bailey; his in-laws, Mary Lou and Roger Smith, Sr. of New Hartford; two godsons, Roger E. Smith, Jr., and David W. Smith; a special and beloved uncle, Edward “Sacco” Sowich; and cousins. He also leaves behind a brotherhood of firefighters and many students. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Marie (Guido) Bailey and his step-father, Warren Graves. The family offers heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of support and respect from the members of Sherrill-Kenwood Fire Department, and the New Hartford Police and Fire Department, especially Chief Bill Freiberger and Dave Corr, and the NY State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, which has been of the greatest solace and comfort. The relatives, friends, and community have sincerely embraced the needs of Barbara and her family. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s honor to the family to establish a scholarship fund for their daughter Lisa; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The New Hartford Fire Department and any Emergency Services Personnel will assemble for ritualistic services on Wednesday evening at 8:00. Michael’s funeral will commence Thursday at 11:30 from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Military Honors and Full Firefighter’s Honors. Entombment will take place in the Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Michael D. Sowich

April 9, 1956 - March 2, 2007