Michael J. Haight “Mike”

Irondequoit:  Passed away on January 3, 2023 at age 71.  He was predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Edith Haight; sister, Joan (Gordon) LaForce; brother-in-law John Mayer.  He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lori Haight; children, Laura (John) Weldin, Mickey (Adriana) Haight, Bryan (Sara Miller) Haight; grandchildren, Maddison, Natalie, Carmella, Liana and Leland; siblings, David (Kathleen) Haight, Joyce Mayer, Daniel (Shari) Haight; nieces, nephews and friends.

Mike was a true family man.  He was a devoted father and a loving husband.  He had all the qualities that someone looks for in a spouse including good culinary skills.  His family was his world and they always came first with him. He and Lori built a beautiful life together that all started with a Hershey’s Kiss.  He would tell you that his favorite times were spent with the children and the grandchildren. He was so proud of all of their accomplishments in life!

Mike grew up in the South Wedge neighborhood of the city on Mt Vernon Avenue. He attended St. Boniface School and graduated from Aquinas Institute in 1969.  He had a successful thirty (30) year career at Eastman Kodak as a Chemical Technician.  His strong work ethic and research expertise resulted in him being awarded 15 photochemical processing patents.

Anyone that knew Mike, knew that he was passionate about music and playing guitar. One of his nicknames was “Guitarman” or “Gman” for short. He could play by ear and had an impressive collection of acoustic and electric guitars.  Almost all of his adult life he jammed in a garage band with other musician friends and in the last few years he had played out in Rochester with the Rebecca Davis Group.  The thought of performing for a live audience made him nervous at first but he actually found that he enjoyed it.

Mike was an avid Ice Hockey fan who never missed a NY Rangers game and even named the family dog Zook after one of his favorite players.  He enjoyed watching the World Juniors Championships and the NHL Winter Classic games but more than anything he loved going to his sons’ and granddaughter’s hockey games to cheer them on (not to mention the countless baseball, soccer, lacrosse, football, volleyball games and dance and music recitals).

Mike also enjoyed golfing, kayaking, biking, and running.

He volunteered at Foodlink and got a lot of gratification from giving back to the local community.

The support, prayers, and acts of kindness from family, friends, and neighbors uplifted Mike during these last few months and he was eternally grateful to all of you.  He was blessed to be loved by so many!

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 12th from 4-7 at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 3325 Winton Road South.  Mike’s Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, January 13th at 10AM at Saint Boniface Church, 330 Gregory Street.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to UR Medicine Hospice, 2180 Empire Blvd., Webster, NY 14580 (Donate Online) or Foodlink, 2011 Mt Read Blvd, Rochester, NY 14615 (Donate Online).