Michael J. Glowacki

Michael J. Glowacki, 72, passed away on March 18, 2012 at UMass Medical Center. Born in Auburn, NY, he was the son of the late Anna and John Glowacki. Mike is survived by his wife, Peggy Glowacki of Fitchburg, his sister, Barbara Page of Auburn, NY, daughters Karyn Wagner and her husband Mark of Boylston, Linda Findlay and her husband Jeff of Northampton, Nancy Paulauskas and her husband Todd of North Grafton, Karen Stratford and her husband Josh of Goffstown, NH, and nine grandchildren; Casey and Benjamin Wagner, Jack, Emma and Lila Findlay, Taylor and Tori Paulauskas, and Cole and Sophia Stratford. Mike graduated from Skaneateles High School and attended SUNY Potsdam, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. He received his Master Degree in Educational Administration from SUNY Albany. He served in the Ballston Spa Central School District as a teacher, assistant principal and, for 21 years, as Principal of Milton Terrace Elementary School where he was highly regarded for his innovative and creative style and programs. His retirement gave him the opportunity to explore a myriad of interests such as owning and operating Phila Street Frame Gallery in Saratoga Springs, NY and serving as an Instructor in the New York State Drinker Driver Program. Upon a move to Massachusetts in 2001 to be closer to his children and grandchildren, he served as a Driver Alcohol Education Instructor for Community Healthlink in Clinton and Gardner. Mike provided inspiration to all those who were close to him as he dealt with his illness with courage and hope. His family is grateful for the outstanding care and continued gentle encouragement provided by Dr. David Steensma and his team at Dana Farber Cancer Institute as well as the doctors and staff who cared for him both at Brigham and Women's Hospital and UMASS Medical Center. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at the Mercadante Funeral Home, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA. Calling hours will take place from 11:00 - 12:00 prior to the service at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Pan Mass Challenge - Shrewsbury Kids Ride". 100% of all donations go directly to research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 77 Fourth Avenue, Needham, MA 02118 or https://kids.pmc.org/shrewsburyboylston/sponsor/giftinfo.asp