Obituary of Michael Sollecito

MICHAEL SOLLECITO Watervliet-Michael Sollecito of Watervliet, passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 1, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Albany on April 15, 1955, he was the son of Joseph and Theresa (Timpano) Sollecito. He was the loving husband of Doreen Page-Sollecito and shared a cherished union for 21 years prior to his passing. He graduated from SUNY Empire State College with a bachelor's degree. Mike was an Environmental Specialist with the General Electric Company in Niskayuna for over 33 years, retiring on May 1, 2015. He had a great love for the outdoors, especially hunting. His greatest passion was golf, and his most exciting times were when he and Doreen took golf vacations in and out of state. In addition to his loving wife Doreen, Mike is survived by his parents Joseph and Theresa Sollecito of Scotia; his four children: David Sollecito (Katie Chase) of Westerlo; Steven Sollecito (Summer Groves) of Englewood, Florida; Philip (Amanda) Sollecito of Scotia; and Peter (Morgan) DiFondi of Halfmoon. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Deacon Sollecito, Aries Sollecito, Eva DiFondi and Dalton DiFondi who lovingly refer to him as Papa Mike and G-Pa; as well as his sister Veronica Frear of Scotia; a dear friend and devoted cousin, Jim Sollecito from Syracuse; and his best and lifelong friend John Crounse from South Carolina. He was predeceased last year by his beloved dog of 16 years, "Beans." Mike was a golf league member on "The Bent Iron" league at the Mohawk River Club; and then the "Chippers," golf league at Schenectady Municipal GC. He really enjoyed Tuesday night golf with each league and their members. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Ara Kayayan, Mike's primary care physician for his excellent care and compassion towards Mike; the wonderful staff at the Hospice Inn of St. Peter's Hospital and the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County for their excellent care and compassion; the excellent care from the staff of NYOH in Albany; Fr. Geoffrey Burke, Paster of OLA Church in Latham for his spiritual guidance, friendship and love; and to our many friends and family for their continuous prayers, loving gestures and overall support. A special thanks is also extended to Tom Mahaffey and his awesome therapy dog "Scotch." Scotch visited with Mike on a routine basis and put a smile on his face while he was in care at the Hospice Inn. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday September 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham with the Rev. Geoffrey Burke officiating. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Friday September 4, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd. Latham. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mike's memory to the Capitol City Rescue Mission, PO Box 1999, Albany, NY, 12201 or Community Hospice Inn, St. Peter's Hospital, 315 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY, 12208. For directions, information, or to light a memory candle for the family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com