"Mikey Michael J. Pieniazek

"MIKEY P!" Michael J. Pieniazek,56, passed away Monday, February 20, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Mike was the son of John "Pops/Bert" Pieniazek and the late Esther Pieniazek. Mike enjoyed a wonderful rewarding life with his wife, Mary Hickey (Mrs. P!). Their love for each other transformed them.

Mikey P was an amazing man. He was one of a kind! A character in every way. He was funny and fiercely independent and strong. He brought his kinetic energy everywhere he went.

He had an irreverent knack with words that cut to the heart of the matter hilariously! He loved life. He loved work. He loved his family. His brother-in-law calls him the "MVP." With any need that arose, Mike was there "all in " and ready to tackle it and get dirty. Mike was an avid fisherman and hunter. He love to spin tails of his hunting exploits with his brother Jimmy and friend Dave. He loved to fish anywhere… ponds, lakes, rivers, streams and ice fishing. But he absolutely loved ocean surf fishing with his sister, Linda. He loved to spread his excitement and knowledge, and to teach others… it made him happy…His excitement was contagious. He had a brilliant, mechanical mind and a way of looking at things and breaking them down and fixing them. He loved, loved, loved landscaping. So much so, that he couldn't believe he actually got paid to do it. He could look at a yard and see what didn't belong, and had a vision of how to make it right and beautiful. When someone new would be introduced to Mike's talents, others would tell them just let him do his magic and watch what happens. He never disappointed.

Mike worked at countless companies over the years including: White Birch Nursery, Pigliavento Builders, Adams Heating, and the Times Union Center (MVP Arena). Mike's most cherished employment is his current job at Daughters of Charity in Menands, NY. Mike was part of the maintenance crew, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc. as well as their treasured landscaper. Mike's boss recently wrote "Mike was a superstar in the eyes of the Sisters, and he enjoyed every minute of every hour that he spent making their home beautiful". Mike worked feverishly to create an enchanted garden for the Sisters to enjoy from their windows. He built water features along the paths and raised beds so they could pick their own fresh vegetables. He even lit up the grounds so they could even see it at night… Magic !

Mike is survived by his children Zach (Sierra) Pieniazek and Emily (Clinton) Manchester; his siblings, Jean (Keith) Monaco, Kathy (Emmy) Baker, Linda Monaco, Rose (Glenn) Loucks, Billy (Sandy) Pieniazek, Larry Pieniazek, Jim (Marie) Pieniazek, Jody Pieniazek, Jenny (Bill) McIntyre; his nephew Billy Rose, as well as many other nieces and nephews; Zaden Stulck, his grandson by love, who cherished his "MIKEY P!"; Dave and Rhonda Dougherty, Jack and Dana Guarneri, his lifelong friends, who were pillars of love in his life.

Mike is predeceased by his sister Carol Charon and his brother John (Johnny) Pieniazek.

The family would like to extend incredible thanks to all of the staff of St. Peter's Oncology and Infusion team, especially the great Dr. T and nurses, Savannah, Michelle, Carolyn, Ashley, Nicole, and Frank for their extraordinary care and compassion. Special thanks to Agnes Petrucci for her dedication and encouragement of our beloved "MIKEY P!"

The celebration of "MIKEY P's!" life will be held at Newcomer Cremations and Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd, Watervliet, on Sunday, February 26, 2023 from 12 pm to 2 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital,501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or The Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.