In Memory of Michael T. Loftus, Sr.

Obituary

Michael T. Loftus, Sr., 62, of Deerfield, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 16, 2017, at the Siegenthaler Center.

He was born on March 9, 1955, in New Hartford, a son of the late Bernard and Marjorie Miller Loftus. Mike graduated from New Hartford High School and attended SUNY Cobleskill and MVCC. He married Donna Sparrow on October 2, 1976. For over 37 years, Mike worked for the State of New York in various capacities. He took great pride in advancing to the rank of Chief of Safety and Security at Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center in Utica, retiring in 2011.

Mike loved and respected every living thing, finding beauty in so many aspects of his life. From an early age, Mike focused on his love of nature with his camera, exploring and photographing birds, animals and landscapes. He found joy in camping and traveling with his wife and family, as well as fishing, reading, spending time with his dogs Max and Kokomo, and sharing his love for the music of Jimmy Buffett. He was a loving father, a doting husband, and a proud Granda to his grandchildren. He found joy most of all in helping others, never turning down an opportunity to make someone’s day better or to offer advice.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Loftus of Deerfield; children, Michael Loftus, Jr., of Deerfield, Colleen Nelson and her husband, David of Skaneateles and Heather Ellis and her husband, Michael of Clayville; grandchildren, James, Julia and Jenna Ellis; siblings, Patricia McHarris, Jean Spencer and her husband Bill, Richard Loftus and his wife, Deb and Mary McCraith, several nieces and nephews, as well as many great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Joan Polmatier.

The family would like offer a special thank you to all the staff at Hospice and Palliative Care and the Siegenthaler Center for the comfort and kindness extended to Mike and his family.

The service will be held on Monday July 24th at 5:00 pm at the Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford. Calling hours will be from 2:00 to 5:00 prior to the service.

Friends and family may consider donations to the Kelberman Center in memory of Mike.