Obituary of Michael J. Horan

Bluffton, S.C. - Michael J. Horan, 66, of Bluffton S.C. and formerly of Troy, N.Y., passed away peacefully after a long illness on March 1, 2016, at his home in Bluffton S.C., surrounded by his loving family. Michael was born in Troy on April 7, 1949 to the late Thomas and Irene Horan of Lansingburgh. Michael was the sole proprietor and funeral director of the Riverview Funeral Home in Lansingburgh; a position he held for 40 years until his retirement in 2011. He was a graduate of the Simmons School of Mortuary Science in Syracuse, N.Y. In addition to his long compassionate career as a funeral director helping hundreds of families in their darkest hours, Michael was also very involved in the local community with a lifetime of civic engagement. For 8 years Michael was a councilman for the City of Troy. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hudson River - Black River Regulating District by then Gov. Mario Cuomo. He later served as Chairman of the Board. He was a former advisory board member of the Mortuary Science Dept. at HVCC, and former president of the Mohawk - Hudson Funeral Directors Association. Michael has also served on the Board of Directors for Oakwood Cemetery Association. Michael was a member of the St. Patrick's Knights of Columbus and a Fourth Degree member of the Cohoes Assembly K of C, and also a member of the Troy Elks Lodge. He also served as the director of fund raising for Catholic Central High School for many years. Michael was also a lifelong member of the former St. Patrick's Church and served on the parish council for many years. Mike was always proud of his long-standing service to the community and gave much of his life to helping others. It would be impossible to summarize all that he did. To those who knew Mike best, we will always remember him for his wonderfully dry sense of humor. Mike was certainly the life of any party and will be forever missed. For many years Michael enjoyed his summer residence on the Great Sacandaga Lake. Michael is survived by his loving siblings; Thomas L. Horan, Jr. (Dianne) of Gansevoort, Elizabeth G. DeLucia of Clifton Park, Lynn Lewis (Raymond) of East Greenbush, and Donald E. Horan of Deerfield Beach, Florida. In addition to his siblings; Michael is survived by twenty nieces and nephews and many grand nieces and nephews as well as many dear and close personal friends. Michael was also predeceased by his eldest loving sister Shirlee A. Russo and dear brother-in-law Laurence F. DeLucia. Michael was also the loving partner of Cydne R. Brearton, who predeceased him two years ago and has since missed her dearly. Michael's family would like to give special thanks to The Visiting Angels of Bluffton S.C. for the loving care they gave to him throughout his illness. We are very grateful to the whole team of his compassionate ladies. It was Michael's specific request that his wake be held privately for his immediate family and dear friends. We ask that his wishes be honored. The public is invited to his funeral, which will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 10 at Our Lady of Victory Church, 55 North Lake Avenue, Troy, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Randall Patterson. Flowers are gratefully declined. Michael preferred donations be made in his memory to: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or Amedisys Hospice care, 305 Robertson Blvd, Suite A Walterboro SC, 29488. Please express condolences to the family by signing Mike's online guestbook. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 am - 11:30 am Thursday, March 10, 2016 Our Lady of Victory Church 55 North Lake Avenue Troy, New York, United States 12180 The funeral mass is open to the public. Interment 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Thursday, March 10, 2016 Oakwood Cemetery 50 101st Street Troy, New York, United States 12180 The Wake is Private It was Michael's specific request that his wake be held privately for his immediate family and dear friends. We ask that his wishes be honored. Flowers are gratefully declined ~ Please make a donation to the following charities instead. Michael preferred donations be made in his memory to: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or Amedisys Hospice care, 305 Robertson Blvd, Suite A Walterboro SC, 29488.