Jack Michaels

Boonville - Jack Michaels, 79, of Boonville died Sunday, March 27, 2011 at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Utica, after a brief illness. Born in Watertown, on July 28, 1931, Jack was the youngest child of William J. and Ida M. (Rafferty) Michales. Most recently of the Boonville area, he had also lived in Syracuse for many years. Jack served his country in the US Army during the post-World War II occupation of Germany, serving in a tank squadron, specializing as a Sherman Tank driver, and weapons and communications specialist. After being honorably discharged, he worked 29 years as a bus driver for Syracuse Transit Co./CENTRO and drove school bus for several Syracuse area districts. In 1972 he married Judy Rowe and they spent many happy years together until her passing in 2000. Together they operated a number of taverns in Syracuse and most recently owned and operated Michaels Inn in Otter Lake, retiring in 1996. As a couple, they had an interest in many local non-profit organizations and used their business to sponsor numerous fundraisers as well as benefit events for people in need. Jack gave of his time and held several leadership positions at the Otter Lake Volunteer Fire Department. He is survived by his children, Jeffery Michaels and wife Dee of Ontario, NY; Jacquelyn Eberle and husband Fred of Lake Orion, MI; Damon Michaels and wife Linda of Franklin, TN., five grandchildren Brandon Michaels, Josiah Eberle, Hannah Eberle, Timothy Michaels, and Breanna Michaels, one sister Theresa of Sarasota, FL; and one special nephew Michael Ball and wife Gloria of Clay, NY, in addition to numerous nephews and nieces across the country. He was predeceased by his wife Judy Rowe Michaels, his parents, brothers William, Edward, Robert, and Frederick, sisters Margaret VanKleef, Mary Lynch, and Rita Zangara. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 A.M. at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler Street Boonville. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributinos may be made to the Otter Lake Fire Dept., 14015 State Route 28, Forestport, NY 13338. For an online message of sympathy or to share a memory of Jack, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com.