Obituary of Michael G. Stearns

Michael G. Stearns, 69, of Union Street passed away Friday, December 16, 2005 at his home after a long illness. He was born on March 12, 1936 in Ft. Johnson, New York the son of the late Doris and George Faber Stearns. He lived in Amsterdam all of his life. He was a graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving from 1955-1959. He was stationed in Germany where he served as Military Police. Michael was employed by the City of Amsterdam as a carpenter and mason until 1982 when a job related accident forced him to retire. He was a communicant of St. Mary?s Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam. He loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren, he was an avid collector of many different things and enjoyed fishing and reading. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Sheila R. Cheney Stearns; his four sons, Michael J. Stearns and his wife Gail of Tribes Hill, New York, William A. Stearns of Amsterdam, Patrick A. Stearns and his companion Bobbi Jo of Amsterdam, and George M. Stearns and his wife Pam of Connecticut; two daughters, Stephanie Hayes and her husband William of Broadalbin, New York and Michele Hayes and her husband David of Amsterdam; two sisters, Michael?s twin, Patricia Thompson of Galway and Lorena Gomula of Amsterdam. Michael was a loving grandfather to Brittany, Billy, Andy, Michael, Robert, Katrina, Christian, Shawn, Vaughan, Anthony, Ethan and David and loving great-grandfather to Haleigh. He is also survived by a daughter in law, Laura Stearns, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins and by his daily companions Emma, Lulu, Sassy and Max. Michael?s dogs. He was pre-deceased by his brother, William T. Stearns and a granddaughter, Katlyn Hayes Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at 10:00AM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, New York. Interment will be in St. Mary?s Cemetery, Ft. Johnson, New York. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, December 19, 2005 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to G.A.V.A.C., P.O. Box 11, Amsterdam, New York, 12010.