In Memory of

Michael

John

McNichol

Obituary for Michael John McNichol

Michael John McNichol
Musician, Teacher, and Uncle

Michael John McNichol, 64, a longtime resident of Haverstraw, New York, passed away on December 3, 2017 at his home in Litchfield, Connecticut. He was the son of the late Robert McNichol and the late Eileen McNichol Courtney nee Post of Haverstraw, NY.
Mike is survived by his sister, Patricia McNichol Sanders of Goshen, CT, and his brother, Robert Courtney of Ulster County, NY. Mike was also the proud Uncle of two nieces who survive him, Christine Sanders Prestianne, of Philadelphia, PA, and Colleen Sanders, of Goshen, CT.
Mike and his sister grew up living in Haverstraw, NY with their mother and grandparents, the late Arthur and Alice Post, who all helped to shape Mike into a talented, fun-loving person.
Mike graduated from North Rockland High School and attended The Boston Conservatory where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree. He later received a master’s degree from the University of Bridgeport.
Mike put his talents to work teaching children to love music as much as he did. He taught music and band for 25 years at James A. Farley Middle School in Stony Point, New York.
Outside of work, Mike enjoyed using his talents for the enjoyment of others. For many years, Mike performed in the Rockland County, NY area as a member of a popular local band, The Royal Coachmen. He enjoyed playing golf and was an avid season-ticket holding fan of both the New York Giants and Yankees.
Mike had a wonderfully unique sense of humor. His jokes could make you cringe, but brightened the lives of many people who were fortunate to have known him.
Services will be at 11:30am on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at St. Thomas of Villanova Church in Goshen, CT, followed by a brief gravesite ceremony at Goshen Center Cemetery. A reception will follow in Kobylenski Lodge at Camp Cochipianee on Beach Street, Goshen, CT.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Michael’s memory to VNA Northwest Hospice, Bantam CT.