Michael J. Townsend of Fairport, New York died November 26, 2022 after a courageous and hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He is predeceased by his father, Frank, mother, Claire, along with his brother, Mark. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Seil, his grateful children, Sarah (Shawn) Baker and Sam (Tara) Townsend along with their mother, Maryanne Townsend and grandchildren, Emma and Jane Baker, Millie and Addie Townsend, stepsons Tim (Katie) Seil and Andy Seil and his sister, Carolyn Jobin of Maine.
Michael grew up in Hampden, Maine and attended the University of Maine, where he played Division I baseball. He moved to Rochester shortly after graduating from Western New England College School of Law. He had a successful career as a commercial real estate attorney as partner at Gates & Adams and later Harris Beach PLLC. He served on the New York State Power Authority Board for eight years including as Chairman of the Board for his last three years, serving under four governors. He was also a member of the Board of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. Finally, he acted as pro bono counsel for his childrens’ many “delinquent” friends.
Michael was an avid sports fan, especially baseball and the Boston Red Sox. He was the proud owner of an extensive collection of baseball memorabilia. He cheered (loudly) for his children over the years at many baseball and basketball games and was the unofficial team photographer for many years. He is also the unofficial record holder for ejections at local youth sports events.
Michael was a deep thinker, who never stopped learning and was always reading books on history, philosophy, or science. He was an athlete who never sat still and remained active for as long as his health allowed. As his Parkinson’s Disease progressed, maintaining this portion of his life became more difficult and we are grateful that he fought so hard to be with us for so long, spoiling his grandchildren up to the very end.
Known to some as Barney, many as Mike and a select few favorites as Grumpy, he will surely be missed by all. His wit and often-brusque exterior masked his deeply caring nature and his generosity for all those with whom he came in contact. His family would like to thank those who have shared stories of Michael’s thoughtfulness and kindness in the final days of his life. Thanks also to the nurses at Highland Hospital who did their best to keep him comfortable in his final days, which many know was not an easy task.
Calling Hours will be held Friday, December 2nd from 4:00-6:00pm at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home at 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd., Fairport, NY 14450. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael’s honor to the YMCA of Greater Rochester and Fairport Little League Booster Club.
Comments
19 responses to “Townsend, Michael J.”
We are sorry we didn’t get to know Mike better before his illness overtook him. I think we missed a lot and hope that your fond memories will sustain you in this hard time. Your neighbors at HW offer our aide and support for whatever you need going forward.
Tracey. The care you provided was wonderful. He liked you!!! And as we know he was stubborn but you had a special way with him. Thanks for all your concern and support while he was in the hospital and for visiting him.
Dear Sam, Sarah , Maryanne & family. Our sincerest sympathy to you all. So so sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace , Mike.
So sorry to hear of his loss. Thinking of you all during this difficult time, sending you hugs and prayers! With Love, the Nunn Family
Thinking of all of you and sending our sincere sympathy. May happy memories of Mike bring you comfort in the days ahead. The Monnat Family
My sincere condolences to your wife Judy and family.
I got to work with Mike for a very short period and he was such a light and inspiration to me I wish I knew him in his early days.
May his beautiful soul sleep in peace.
Lots of love from Loyal home care .
Thanks so much Tracey for your help taking care of him during the last few months! We know it wasn’t an easy task but so glad he had someone around to literally pick him up when we couldn’t. Appreciate you taking the time to come see him at the hospital too.
Such sad news. Mike, who we all called Barney, was my Sigma Nu frat brother at the University of Maine and a summer roommate many years ago. Even though we hadn’t spoken in many years I would invariably find myself grinning whenever his name came up. No doubt he’ll be sorely missed but he’ll live on as long as the rest of us are around to share the many stories of which he was a part of. Condolences to the family.
Thanks so much Tom for leaving a comment. All of the memories about our dad have brought us a lot of joy this week! Nice to know he will be remembered by so many.
I met Mike at UMaine. He fell in with a bunch of us who were fellow athletes and big, most of us. However, given his exceptional strength at his 5′ 8″ or 9″ height, we nick-named him ‘Bam-Bam’ for those of a certain age who get the joke. A serious reader of philosophical works I might add. Added to his feats of strength was swimming across the Stillwater River in winter and surviving. No one else dared.
He kept us trying to swim across bodies of water, which gave me plenty excuses to cry as a kid for fear he wouldn’t make it back. Glad to know I wasn’t the only one he tormented! Thanks for sharing the stories. Our family has really enjoyed reading them.
Ken and I are so sorry to hear this. Mike was a great friend and the most incredible baseball fan. Our thoughts are with Maryanne, Sarah and Sam and the whole family. We are sending you love and best wishes. The Veenema family.
Thanks so much Mrs. Veneema! There are lots of great family memories that include your crew as well. I found some pictures of all of the kiddos looking less than enthusiastic on our trip to Toronto to watch the Blue Jays.
We were greatly saddened by the news of Mike’s passing. Condolences to the family and his loved ones. I’m sure he will be greatly missed. Maggie and I go back to the U Maine Orono and Bangor days with him and reconnected a few years ago via emails. Always considered him a very intelligent and funny guy and have lots of fond memories of those days. Rest In Peace Barney.
Your friends, Bilge and Mahhgret
Love to hear that you were able to reconnect with him! We know he wasn’t the most tech savvy and his Parkinson’s made it hard for him too but also know that he really appreciated those that he was able to keep up with.
Mike and Maryanne were neighbors on Duncott Road. Sarah was my daughter Meredith’s age and they were in school together. We became friends and when Sam came along Meredith would babysit for him.
Mike and I coached our daughters in softball together and we had some memorable basketball games with the neighborhood twins Mike and Pat.
I haven’t seen the Townsends in a bunch of years , but they were good neighbors and friends . My condolences to Mike’s family.
Thanks so much Mr. Reilly for the nice comments about my dad. We’ve been going through so many pictures this week and have found so many of Meredith as well. Love to see she’s doing well as were friends on social media still!
Sarah- Meredith was the one who alerted me to the obituary and I’m sure she sends her sympathies from Portland. RIP Mike.
I met Mike at UMO. We were in Sigma Nu together and also shared an apartment in Bangor my senior year. After graduation, Mike, Heavy and I took a road trip out to Colorado and spent the winter working at a ski resort. It was a crazy idea that turned into a great adventure. I’ll always remember Mike as the only person I’ve met who read the dictionary for pleasure. He was always intellectually curious and incredibly smart. A great guy also. I lost touch with Mike after settling on the west coast, but I have no doubt he was an amazing dad. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jeff Wing