Mr. Michael R. Taurisano

NEW HARTFORD – Mr. Michael R. Taurisano, age 89, was reunited with his wife when he passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. He passed comfortably knowing the loving care of the ones he held closest. Born in Utica on October 16, 1934, Michael was the beloved son of the late Anthony R. “Tony” and Angeline (Rocco) Taurisano. On April 30, 1960, Mike wed the former Angela Baleno, a marriage of 51 years based on enduring love, mutual respect, and support. Together they nurtured five children, founded a family retail business, and in their retirement found time to explore many common interests together. Angela passed away on December 9, 2011. Mike graduated from T.R Proctor High School in 1952 and was active on the committee that organized a class reunion every 5 years. He graduated from Ithaca College/Class of 1956 with a degree in Physical Therapy when the profession was in its infancy. After college, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years in Baumholder, Germany as a Medic with the 27th U.S. Infantry, and an additional two years in the Army Reserve 816th Station Hospital Unit in Utica. In 1963, Michael gained employment with St. Luke's-Memorial Hospital Center. He was appointed Chief Physical Therapist and subsequently developed additional adjunct services to form the Department of Rehabilitation Services. He completed a master’s degree in Nursing Home Administration at the New School for Social Research in 1986. Mike went on to serve St. Luke’s-Memorial Hospital Center in the capacities of Assistant Administrator and Nursing Home Administrator. Upon his departure from the hospital, he held the position of Associate Executive Director, having humbly served in his administrative positions for 23 years. In addition to his career, he balanced a new concept company, Speedy Awards and Engraving, which was established in 1975 in the basement of his home. He solicited signs for hospitals across the country. Ever creative and entrepreneurial, he grew this original business, and with the blessings of his wife, he resigned from his position in healthcare, and they joined forces and opened their first retail shop at 64 Genesee Street in the village of New Hartford. His wife was his partner and each of their talents complemented their endeavor. The couple retired in 1997 and new adventures began for them. Speedy Awards and Engraving continues as a family owned and operated business. In his younger days Mike was an avid hunter. He had a keen eye for just the right car and was a vintage car collector. As a person who enjoyed working with his hands, he made and refinished many pieces of furniture. When one hobby was finished, they found another to take its place. They became motorcoach enthusiasts and traveled this great country coast to coast and had many favorite spots that they often spoke of. He held numerous memberships with local organizations, including the New Hartford Kiwanis Club and many professional and health associations. He was also a member and past President of the Mohawk Motorcades Car Club and R.V. Club. Mike was a diligent worker, a man of integrity, a gentleman, and a family man. Although a man of few words he was one of the best storytellers. Traditional and old school, he taught life lessons in a subtle way. He was a great mentor to his children and wanted them to follow his lead. When Mike was in the room, his presence was noticed. When his beloved Angela "Dolly" became ill, his whole life revolved around her, his angel. They tried to live life as normally as they could, and he was attentive to any of her medical appointments or needs. He never left her side, and he demonstrated his love through his actions; to this day his children remain so grateful to him. Michael is survived by his children and their loves, Anthony "Tony" Taurisano and Anne Patterson, David M. Taurisano, Ann M. and Kevin Cough, Lyn Taurisano, and Michele A. Taurisano; his cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Taylor, Anthony “TJ” and Ashley Taurisano; Angelo R. Taurisano; Tori and Chris Goody, Kate Cough and Matt Kenny, Ali Tizzano and Keith Getter, Connor and Nicole Cough; Cecilee Cashman and Rob Gerling, and Courtney and Joey Jeffery; and his adored great-grandchildren, Jacob Taylor; Carson, and Nolan Taurisano; Raymond, Theodore, and Piper Goody; Jacob, Bailey, Genevieve, and Lawson Getter; Madelyn Cough; and Coraline Jeffery. He will live on in the hearts of his sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Joseph LaBarbera; and his brother-in-law, Robert Bedell. He fondly remembered his sister, Carol Bedell, who preceded him in 2017. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and in-laws, Anthony and Eleide “Lee” Baleno, and Theresa Konrad and the late Klaude Konrad. He shared a companionship with Kathie Green and was grateful for her affection and care in his final years. He was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dominick M. and Anna (Colella) Baleno. The family extends their gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff of Wynn Hospital who provided Mike with quality, compassionate care with genuine kindness. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In the family’s reflection of a worthy cause that their dad would have found appropriate, memorial contributions in Mike’s honor may be made to the Hope House of Utica online at http://hopehouseutica.org; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Michael's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Dad, we know this is the “End of the Trail” here, but we believe that you and Mom will start another adventure together.

Mr. Michael R. Taurisano

October 16, 1934 - January 31, 2024