Obituary of Michael J. Santarcangelo

Latham — Michael J. Santarcangelo, 66, of Latham passed away at Albany Medical Center surrounded by family on Sunday, August 19, 2018 after a long illness. His final act of love? He lived to celebrate 46 years of marriage to Kathleen, “his bride.”

Born in Cohoes to the late John C. and Gloria Vadney Santarcangelo, the first child of four, Michael met his soul-mate in kindergarten, Kathleen Mary Bagley Santarcangelo. They quickly became best friends and began dating in their senior year at Cohoes High School and continued that relationship while Michael, the first in his family to attend college, left for Clarkson College of Technology (now Clarkson University) in Potsdam, NY and Kathleen attended Memorial School of Nursing in Albany, NY. The miles couldn’t keep them apart. Kathleen and Michael wed in the summer of 1972 just before Michael’s senior year. While at Clarkson, Michael began serving our country in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps. In 1973, Michael earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering and also was Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Upon completing active duty, he began a highly-successful 27-year career with the New York State Department of Public Service.

During this period, Michael was intimately involved in developing New York State’s energy policies and dealing with compliance and customer service issues.  He served the Department of Public Service as a valuation engineer, project director for the organizational management implementation team, program manager for energy compliance in the Consumer Services Division and chief business advocate in the Office of Business Advocacy. Michael left the Department of Public Service in 2001 to join Empire State Development in the position as director of energy policy, where among many projects, he was involved in the recovery and redevelopment of the World Trade Center as it related to energy infrastructure issues, post 9/11 Terrorist attack. Michael retired from public service in 2009.

Colonel Santarcangelo remained active with the Army Reserves, retiring in 2003 after a 30 -year career. A highly decorated officer and graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College, Michael’s final assignment was as the emergency preparedness liaison officer for the First Army.  He was deployed for 24 days at the New York State Emergency Operation Center in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Michael was awarded numerous commendations and honors for his military service including the Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal, three times; and Army Commendation Medal.

Following his graduation from Clarkson, Michael was active with the University’s Alumni Association, holding countless leadership roles culminating in 2001-2002 as the President of the National Alumni Association. He earned local and national recognition honoring his service of Clarkson Alumni and tireless support for the students he mentored. In 2003, Michael was honored with the University’s Highest Alumni Award, the Golden Knight award, presented annually to Clarkson’s most prestigious alumni who have distinguished themselves either by service to Clarkson through Alumni Association activities or have demonstrated outstanding career achievement or both bringing distinction to themselves, and to Clarkson.

Michael earned a master’s degree in public administration from SUNY Brockport and completed numerous professional certifications. Michael was a certified football referee for over 25 years. As a member of the Eastern Association of Independent Football Officials, he received the Hal Witner Award for outstanding service to football officiating and served as chapter officer and president.

Michael is survived by “his bride” Kathleen, his sons Michael II and Tricia Santarcangelo, and Jason and Tracey Santarcangelo, and his grandchildren Michael John III, Brenna, Sedona, Alexa, Jason Matthew II, and Hayley. Brother of Karen and Tom Treharne, James and Gina Santarcangelo, and David and Julia Santarcangelo. Son-in-law of Norman and Kathleen Bagley, he is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins.

Funeral Thursday, 7:00 pm, at the DUFRESNE FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 216 Columbia Street, Cohoes with Rev. Ray Stees officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 4 to 7pm prior to the service. Friends who wish to remember Michael in a special way may make a donation in his memory and earmarked for research to the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition at https://www.multiplesystematrophy.org/donate-now.