Michael "Mike" W Storonsky , VRHS Class of 1946
LOUDONVILLE -- Michael W. Storonsky, entered into eternal rest peacefully with his loving family by his side on September 16, 2022, at the age of 93. Mike was born in Rensselaer on January 26, 1929, to Katherine Pushkar Storonsky and Michael Storonsky. He was predeceased by his parents, and the love of his life, Pauline Felack Storonsky, to whom he was married for almost 64 years. Mike is survived by his four children and their spouses, Michael P. and Linda Storonsky, Mary Storonsky English and Richard English, Christine and Richard Rush, and Paula and Stephen Melidones; his six grandchildren and their spouses and partners, Megan English Reeves and Jeremy Reeves, Ph.D., Michael C. Storonsky, M.D., Natasha and Stephen Becker, Chad English and Roseann Pluretti English, Ph.D., Katherine Rush and Russell Zahralban, and Nicholas Rush; and two great-grandchildren, Parker Lynn Reeves and Stephen Michael Becker Jr. Mike was a devout Ukrainian Catholic, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, principal, travel agent, athlete, coach, and sports official. Mike was proud of his Ukrainian heritage as both his and his wife's parents came from the Ukraine as teenagers prior to World War I. He was a lifelong member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Watervliet where he served as a trustee for the Ukrainian American Citizens Club and the Pastoral Council, and as a church greeter. While serving as president of the Ukrainian Catholic Youth League in 1951, he met the love of his life, Pauline Felack, who was serving as the secretary. They were married on July 24, 1955, and they were blessed with nearly 64 wonderful years together. Mike was forever grateful to Pauline for her selfless devotion to both their family and him. Mike and Pauline were very proud of their children and grandchildren and enjoyed supporting and/or attending all their activities involving music concerts, sporting events, plays and most importantly, their educations. They enjoyed spending time together in their back yard pool and taking them on vacations to New York State camp sites, Cape Cod, Canada, and on cruises. Mike and Pauline enjoyed bowling, bocce, playing cards, and volunteering at the Times Union Center/ Pepsi Arena, and the Albany Visitors & Convention Center for various events. Mike lived a very full life during which he touched the lives of many people. Mike's education began at Fort Crailo Elementary School (kindergarten through eighth) in Rensselaer, where he later returned to, and retired from, as principal. He attended Van Rensselaer High School, and then went on to Champlain College and Plattsburgh State. While getting his education and for a short time afterwards, Mike was a very accomplished athlete, inducted into sports halls of fame for his athletic achievements in both high school and college. When his playing days were done due to an injury, he coached, assisted with, and maintained an interest in a wide variety of sports including working as a scout for the Dodgers. Mike's career included teaching at New Lebanon and South Colonie and serving as principal at East Nassau and New Lebanon prior to returning to retire at Rensselaer. Upon retirement from education, he became a travel agent for 34 years with Carlson Wagonlit/ Albany Travel. During that time, he coordinated countless trips and cruises, including taking his family of 16 on six cruises. He and Pauline visited six continents and more than 60 countries. Mike and Pauline visited their parent's homeland of Ukraine twice, once under communist rule, and the second time after the country achieved their independence. Relatives and friends may call at the Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet on Thursday, September 22, from 4 - 7 p.m., with Parastas at 6 p.m. The funeral liturgy will be on Friday, September 23, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 2410 4th Ave., Watervliet. All those attending Mike's services are asked to please wear a face mask. Donations in Mike's name may be made to Our Mother of Perpetual Help Society or Aid to Ukraine at the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 2410 4th Ave., Watervliet NY, 12189