Obituary of Michael G. Wilcox

Michael Wilcox’s love of adventure was boundless. He was an avid Yankee, Giants and Syracuse fan. He loved baseball, music, a good cigar, sharing stories of his adventures to Italy, England, cross-country trips, visiting the Badlands and, of course, penguins. Like curious George, he always wanted to know everything about whatever he saw, touched or tasted. The kitchen was therapy for Michael. He loved cooking and making food for family and friends. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday. It wasn’t Thanksgiving without seeing Michael’s head buried in the oven checking his bird … and he always ensured he had the largest turkey available by putting in his order weeks ahead of time. He made friends wherever he went. Anyone who was lucky enough to cross paths with Michael —and have a chat — instantly became a friend and, for the lucky ones, a lifelong friend. He could talk to anybody no matter how young or old regardless of life experience. He could connect with anyone. His love for his wife Laurie was immense. Their love affair spanned 28 years and he cherished her. You couldn’t say Laurie without Michael or Michael without Laurie. Michael passed Sept. 1, 2021, and Laurie and all those who loved him miss him so. They celebrate the full life he led. A 1972 graduate of Haverling High School, he loved tennis and was an honor society member. In 1977 he graduated Syracuse University with a degree in environmental engineering. He went on to work for Universal Liquor for decades. In 1999 his continual search for knowledge led him to Corning Community College to pursue a degree in hospitality management, which landed him a position with American Express Travel booking corporate travel for clients. That led to a second career with Corporate Marriott and relocation to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He began as a sales associate for Marriott Frenchman’s Cove and then transitioned to a Guest Service Manager, winning accolades and several awards. He said it was the best job he ever had since he just loved helping people. Michael and Laurie enjoyed 13 years in St. Thomas. It took two back-to-back Cat 5 hurricanes that devastated the islands to make him leave his beloved tropical paradise. Being such a valuable employee, Marriott quickly relocated him to the corporate offices in Orlando , Fla., where they resided until October 2020 when the Southern Tier of Upstate New York called them home. Although Michael’s time back in New York was short, he and Laurie spent time ensuring they turned their house into a home. He also enjoyed being a proud godfather. His friends and family were blessed to have had their time with him and know he is on the other side looking after all of them. A celebration of life will be planned in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to the Finger Lakes SPCA https://fingerlakesspca.org/ or Strong Memorial Hospitals Cardiac Care Center https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/strong-memorial/friends-of-strong/donate.aspx May the warm tropical breezes always be blowing in your direction, Michael. Cheers!