Michael J. Palahnuk

SCOTIA- Michael J. Palahnuk, age 68, passed away peacefully at home on August 1, 2024, surrounded by family.

He was born in Oceanside, NY, the son of the late Steven and Margaret Palahnuk. Michael was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law Diane and Charles Barbeisch.

For the majority of Michaels life, he was a contractor later working as a sales representative for Hitachi and Makita where he earned the nickname “Makita Mike”. Most recently spending his last few years as the Facility Director at the Jewish Community Center of Schenectady, where he found his true passion and considered the JCC community his family.

Most of all Michael enjoyed spending time with his friends, his daughters (his “girls” as he referred to them) and grandchildren.

Michael loved riding his Harley and fishing with his brother and sister-in-law in Long Island. He also enjoyed playing his guitar, gardening and photography. Michael was also known as an excellent craftsman and some of his most recent work can be found all around the JCC.

Michael loved music and was involved in many bands, most recently overseeing all aspects for Mullett. He considered his bandmates his family.

Michael is survived by his long-term partner Roseann Healey; daughters: Ashley (Adam) Hannah and Rachel (Sean) Palahnuk; brother and sister-in- law, Stephen and Suzette Palahnuk; and grandchildren: Ava Hannah, Jameson Hannah and Hailey Hancock.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours on Thursday August 8, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. All are invited to attend his funeral Mass following at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of Saint Madeleine Sophie, 3500 Carman Road, Schenectady, NY. Interment will be in St. Cyril & Method Cemetery, Rotterdam, NY.

Memorial contributions in Michael’s name may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at https://www.nationalmssociety.org, the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org  or the American Diabetes Association at https://diabetes.org.