Michael J. Vonfricken

Cohoes - Michael J. VonFricken passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023 peacefully at home with his loving family by his side, after being diagnosed on September 28, 2023 with Pancreatic Cancer. He was also battling Parkinson's Disease. Michael was born in Troy, NY on November 9, 1956, the son of the late Francis and Teresa VonFricken. He was the devoted and loving husband to Deborah A. (Franchini) VonFricken, who he was happily married to for 46 years on July 9, 1977.

Mike moved from Troy with his family to Latham where he attended grade school at Blue Creek and graduated from Shaker High School in 1975 when and where he met his wife Debbie, his high school sweetheart. Mike wanted a career in the Armed Forces and joined the Army shortly after high school. Michael's wish was to become a Green Beret. He later left the Army, got married and had a beautiful daughter. Mike started working at Hoffman's Car Wash, worked up to crew leader. While employed, he had the privilege and honor to drive Elvis's Pink Cadillac, whom he loved as one of his many music singers. Mike moved on and made a career in the carpet and upholstery cleaning business as a manager for Service Master. Mike tried and was successful buying into the franchise and running his own business with his wife for 1 year. While employed at Service Master he experienced first-hand the St. Louis floods. Mike managed the cleanup crew. He moved on from there to Restore Master. After several years as manager, he then sought out a new career and joined his wife's father's family business at Franchini Bros. Painting and Construction. After the death of his father-in-law, he carried on the business under the name of Franchini Painting, before retiring due to an injury that required neck surgery.

Mike enjoyed being outside with nature. Loved fishing (even in the rain), riding his 2 Harley Davidson motorcycles, hanging out in his man cave, listening to his music (loud), playing his drums, both sets, the ones in his cave and the electric ones inside the house. Mike also enjoyed camping with his family growing up, then later on with his wife and grandsons; playing darts, going to Waterford Locks and the fireworks on the 4th of July. Oh, and he loved his cheeseburgers and strawberry shakes and burning one by himself or with others. Mike's favorite place, when not in his man cave, was having his morning coffee with his wife, watching the hummingbirds at the feeder, or just simply sitting on the porch. He was known as the neighborhood watch person. Mike also had a unique with animals, which led us to call him our "Dr. Doolittle".

Michael was survived by his wife, Deborah A. (Franchini) VonFricken, their daughter, Tina Elizabeth VonFricken-Heroux (Pj) , 5 Grandchildren, Austin Michael VonFricken, Alex William Heroux, Madison Elizabeth Heroux, Tanner John Heroux, Bailey Quin Heroux; his sister, Judi Griegi (Joe), Ron VonFricken (Jackie), Jerry VonFricken (Anna), Ben VonFricken (Miranda); nieces and nephews and dearly loved Bella, Sophie and Grace, his 3 great nieces.

Mike was loved by everyone who knew him or met him. He could strike up conversations and talk about anything and everything. Mike had a way of making people laugh. He always said, "If they're laughing at me, they're leaving someone else alone." Mike was a kind, helpful, caring person. He was just a good guy. But, don't piss him off or mess with his family members as he was very protective when it came to that. When it came right down to it, Mike treasured every moment with his entire family. He greatly enjoyed having his grandson, Austin, and his girlfriend, Ayriana, living with us. Mike's dream was one day was to move to Arizona and get to see the Grand Canyon.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd., Watervliet on Monday, October 23, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Time of Sharing will be held at the funeral home at 6:00 pm.

To share a memory of Michael or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.