Michael Richard Stilwell

Michael R. Stilwell was born on August 27, 1954, to Marian Stilwell and Richard (Dick) Stilwell in North Tonawanda, NY. He attended North Tonawanda High School and Niagara County Community College.

He began his career as an assistant manager at Tops Supermarkets in North Tonawanda, where he met his wife of 49 years, Ruthann (Abraham) Stilwell. Their daughter, Sarah (Stilwell) Dovi, was a light in his life, and his love helped carry the family through her untimely death less than one year ago. In spite of the struggles, he and Ruthann enjoyed every moment together as soulmates, celebrating Ruthann’s birthday in Italy earlier this year.

Mike will always be remembered as a man who fixed things. He was a maintenance mechanic by trade, beginning his career at Stone Container in North Tonawanda before transitioning to Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY. While in Rochester, he also worked for TrueSense Imaging and ON Semiconductor before retiring to live near his grandchildren in Cortland, NY.

Mike loved fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. He prized his various boats, fishing reels, and guns, and was always ready to spend an afternoon on the lake. As much as he loved his hobbies, he continually put helping family and friends first. Whether it was helping a friend move, assisting his grandson with a project, or serving at church, he always showed up.

In Rochester, he served in the men’s ministry, playing guitar and singing at the weekly men’s meetings. He was also a leader at Flower City Work Camp, repairing homes for underprivileged families in the city.

Mike is survived by Marian Stilwell, Dave Stilwell, Pam Lever, Ruthann Stilwell, Jesse Dovi, Victory Dovi, Autumn Dovi, and Judah Dovi.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Christian Fellowship, Fisher Ave. Cortland, NY, on Saturday, September 27th, at 1:00 PM, with a receiving line and light refreshments to follow and Pastor Steve Thompson to officiate. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Mike will be laid to rest in Virgil Cemetery.

Donations can be sent in lieu of flowers to: Hospicare 172 King Rd E, Ithaca, NY 14850 or Finger Lakes Pregnancy Care - Sarah Dovi Memorial Fund, 210 W Green St., Ithaca, NY 14850