John Michael Mancini

Northville: John M. Mancini, formerly of Amsterdam, NY, peacefully passed into eternal life, with Maria and Michael by his side on May 11, 2022 at Mountain Valley Hospice. He had recently been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. “Mike” was born February 21, 1942 at St. Mary’s Hospital to his parents John P. Mancini and Emily F. Mancini (Fralick). He attended St. Casimir’s Elementary School through eighth grade. Mike was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch HS Class of 1959.

After high school, he held several jobs, including with the Niagara Mohawk gas division, before he entered into public service with the City of Amsterdam. On December 8, 1967 he was appointed to the position of Firefighter with the Amsterdam Fire Department. It was the beginning of an incredible career that spanned over 37 years of service.

He often bragged that his lengthy career had given him the opportunity to drive every vehicle in the department, including the 1939 Seagrave Hook & Ladder tiller. He even got to operate the tiller once! Mike held every rank in the department including Acting Chief on two separate temporary assignments. He worked at all 5 stations as well as the old Central Station. His favorite assignment near and dear to his heart was always Station 6 on Pulaski St. He often joked about staying until mandatory retirement age if “Sixes” had remained open. Mike received the Firefighter of the Year award on two separate occasions: One for the rescue of a child, and the other for his commitment to public safety education throughout the City of Amsterdam. He served as Vice President for four years on the executive board of Amsterdam Permanent Firefighters Association and ten years as a member of the Montgomery County Fire Advisory Board. He retired on May 13, 2004 with the rank of Battalion Chief and began the process of relocating to Northville, NY where he resided until his passing.

He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus #209 and the NRA. Mike most recently enjoyed his membership at the Wells Fish & Game Club where he spent time target shooting with some new friends. He spent many summers at the Mancini family camp in Galway, NY from the 40’s through the 80’s. Once the family camp was sold, Mike turned his recreation towards boating on the Great Sacandaga Lake where he continued to own and enjoy several boats over the years.

Most Amsterdam residents will also remember him as a voice of AM radio at WCSS and WVTL. He spent 21 years on air with his late friend Sam Zurlo and the “Sound Off” open mic talk show. He was also known for his love of 50’s rock n roll music through the “Mikey O Oldies Show”.

Mike was an avid attendee of county fairs throughout the region including the Fonda, Saratoga, Otsego, Schaghticoke, and NYS Fairs.

He had a decade’s long love of competitive go kart racing which began in his teens under the racing alias of “Mickey O”. Mike continued to enjoy recreational karting whenever there was a track nearby. His 80th birthday celebration was at Checkers Out Speedway where he raced twin 50 lap events with family and friends. He also enjoyed many years as a spectator to Fonda Speedway racing and weekly televised NASCAR.

Mike is survived by his children; J. Michael (Jennifer) Mancini, Maria Mancini and her fiance’ Thomas Nethaway and his children, Torin and Aubrey; grandchildren; Michaela J. Mancini, Jamie Keown, Holly Keown, Gillam Keown and his beloved grand dogs Millie and Bella; His second wife, Joan Mancini(Stearns), along with her children and grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors old and new, and lifelong friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife and mother of his children Carolyn A. Mancini (Gabriele), and his lifelong best friends Robert Nethaway and cousin John A. Mancini.

Calling hours will be held at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY on May 20, 2022 from 4pm-7pm in the presence of Amsterdam Fire Department Honor Guard.

A funeral service directed by the Very Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis, V.F. will be held at 11am Saturday May 21, 2022 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. Following the service, interment of his ashes will take place at the family plot in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Amsterdam.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Mountain Valley Hospice, Gloversville, NY.

To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.rileymortuaryinc.com