Michael Alvich

Michael Alvich, 68, of Moravia, NY passed away from complications of pneumonia on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Guthrie Cortland with his wife Melinda and brother James by his side.

Born July 2, 1957, in Englewood, New Jersey, Michael attended Red Bank High School. In his late teens he called New York his home where he met the Love of his Life Melinda Sue in 1976. They shared over 46 years of marriage at the time of his passing. Most of their married life they lived in Dryden, New York till six years ago they moved to Moravia, New York.

Michael earned an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from TC3 in 1986. Always wanting to expand his knowledge, Michael received an Associates Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling in 2010 also at TC3 in Dryden.

Michael and Melinda were house parents for an agency called Group Homes of Tompkins County which began a substantial career in the Social Services Field for Michael including working at Susquehanna Valley Home, Homes Inc., Challenge Industries, Racker Center, William George Agency and JM Murray Center. He also volunteered much of his time as Board President of Lakeview Mental Health, Taste of the Nations and countless hours to friends who needed assistance in navigating “The System”.

Michael’s happiest moments were gatherings with family and friends and especially hosting the Family “Ruins”! He also enjoyed camping, horseback riding, traveling around the country with Melinda or any other family and friends wanting to enjoy the journey with them.

He had a great love for animals, many of their fur babies were rescues. The two at home, Jazz Marie and Jade Lynn will miss their Daddy so much.

Besides his wife Melinda, he is survived by his brother James (Bonnie) and their children Jason (Jackie) and Jennifer, Sister-in-Law Pat LeMay, (wife of his brother Dennis who passed in 2004) and their daughter Stacie DePonti (Matt), Sister-in-Law Patricia Keller (Barry) and their children, Tanya (Bobby Harvey), Tammy (Dan Gabriel) and Michael Coletta (Nicky), Brother-in-Law Rev. Thomas Gates (Linda) and their children, Danny (Kathy), Shelly (Henry Schrock) and Holly Gates.

Michael also had many great nieces and nephews he loved very much as well as many friends.

Michael was preceded by his parents Anna and Joseph Alvich, Mother & Father-in-law Martha and Rex Gates.

Michael, ever being the Joker leaves a profound void in the hearts of his many friends and extended families. The memories of his great loving heart forever will be cherished.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your local SPCA.

Services will be held at Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden, NY with calling hours Saturday, July 12 from 4pm to 6pm, Celebration of Life immediately following.

All are invited to join us at Melinda’s home at 41 Flamingo Drive, Moravia to continue with the celebration and storytelling. Food and drink will be provided, BYOB, a chair, a story or two and enjoy!