Michael H. "Mickey" Zaleski, Jr.'s Obituary
Michael H. (Mickey) Zaleski Jr., 78, of North Syracuse, passed away at Crouse Hospital following
a brief illness on 11/22/2015.
Michael graduated from North Syracuse High School in1955. He attended his 60th reunion this summer.
He enlisted in the Air Force and spent most of his 4 year service in England and Scotland, where he played basketball for the Air Force team. He was employed by Western Electric before entering Brockport with the encouragement of his friend Bernie where he earned a BS degree. Michael obtained his Masters in Vocational Rehabilitation at Syracuse University.
After college Michael worked as a counselor at St. Mary's Hospital in Syracuse. Later he was employed for the NYS Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) for over 25 years. He held several positions most notably Regional Coordinator of the Central Field Office in Syracuse and retired as Director of Upstate Regional Operations (overseeing 57 counties) in 1999. Michael was instrumental in the opening of the residential program at Insight House in Utica, NY and providing ongoing support for the Credo Foundation services in Jefferson and Lewis counties. He was always passionate about his mission of helping people in need, while holding all to the strictest standards of excellence and helping them to meet those standards.
Michael is predeceased by his mother, Kate Mosher Roller (owner of Kate's Inn in Central Square)
and his father, Michael H. Zaleski.
Michael is survived by his wife of 29 years, Mary Lou (Ryan) Zaleski; his son, Ryan and his wife Cecelie (Battilana) and their 3 children, Giavanna, Isabelle and Francesca; sisters-in-law, Carol Ann (Patrick) Nugent, Patti (Jeff Brosk) Ryan, and Barbara (Mike Brill) Ryan; brother-in-law, Jim (Kathy) Ryan, and many cousins, nieces and
nephews.
Years ago, Michael enjoyed meeting friends along the circuit on Lakeshore Rd, and liked to
mention there were 17 bars along that route. Most recently he socialized at Hafner's where he
and his buddies shared stories. His weekly Saturday night restaurant dining with Mary Lou was
the highlight of his week.
Michael took pride in being physically fit and enjoyed the outdoors. He was a member of
Pastimes Athletic Club, an avid runner, excellent softball and racquetball player, as well as a
scratch golfer. Michael relaxed fishing on Oneida Lake and enjoyed his many visits to cousin
Marie's cottage on the St. Lawrence River.
Michael was a people person and often remarked how he lived in a great, friendly neighborhood.
He was a wonderful, caring friend to many and made it a mission to always stay in touch. Every day he was chatting on the phone with at least one of his special friends. It rings true “he was only a phone call away.”
Michael adored his family and will be remembered as a devoted father and loving husband. He was a proud and involved father to his only child Ryan. Watching Ryan play soccer over the years through CBA and college, and the family vacations to Disney World were joyful times spent with his family.
Michael will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.
Referencing his favorite song…“And I think to myself what a wonderful world”.
Calling hours for family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 from 9:30 am – 11:30 am, followed by a noon service in celebration of Michael’s life at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
Contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels (Michael was a volunteer), 413 Church St.,
North Syracuse, NY or Credo Foundation, 595 W. Main St., Watertown, NY 13601.
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?