ROCK CITY FALLS —Michael Albert Whelan passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the age of 29.
Mike was born to Michael F. Whelan and Maureen (Stunzi) Santiago at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY on May 1st, 1989. He grew up in his family home in Rock City Falls and attended school in Ballston Spa, NY. He also spent a great deal of time with his family in Saranac Lake, NY and Fort Myers, Florida.
Mike was an adventurer who loved to camp in the Adirondacks and at outdoor music festivals. He enjoyed his snowmobile, skateboard, playing pickup hockey games and all things Orlando. His greatest love was his daughter, Amelia. His biggest passion, however, was music. He was a natural musician and became known for being able to play anything on acoustic or lead electric guitar by ear and taught himself the drums. Mike was a member of several bands and became a jam band favorite to sit in with many local musicians in the Saratoga Springs area. He wrote beautiful lyrics, recorded his music and made many videos to entertain or share emotion with his friends.
Mikey’s nickname was Dubz from his many friends. He considered them his family and happily played the clown, the organizer and the frontman for their adventures. His laughter was contagious and will be remembered by all with love.
Michael is survived by Amelia, his 14 month old daughter; his mother, Maureen Stunzi Santiago of Saranac Lake; sister Erica Whelan of Saratoga Springs and Saranac Lake; sister Dominique Santiago and brother Raymond Santiago of Saranac Lake; grandmother Barbara (Wallace) Stunzi and step-grandmother Linda (Van Eps) Santiago, aunts Michele Whelan, Lisa (Whelan) Gatus, and Mary (Stunzi) Waterson; uncles Peter Whelan and George Waterson; 1st cousins Josh and Chelsea Tremblay, Peter (Marv) and Nicole (Whelan) Ayotte, and Ryan and Bailey Gatus. Michael is preceded in death by his father, Michael F. Whelan, his paternal grandparents Peter Whelan, Sr., Larraine (Colvin) Downs, Jack Downs and his maternal grandfather Albert Stunzi.
Calling hours were held at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street in Ballston Spa on Thursday, May 24, 2018 followed by a memorial service.
