Michael S. Welsh

Clifton Park, NY - Michael Stanzak Welsh, 79, fell asleep in the Lord on March 13, 2026.

He was born in 1946 to parents Joseph Earl Welsh and Marion Spencer Welsh. He is survived by his wife, Maria; his children, Daniel (Dale Bouchard) and Anastasia (James Carroll); his grandchildren, Jacob (Cassidy), Abigail (Otis Friday), Charles and Gabriella; and great grandchild, Rozaliya.

Michael graduated from Phillip Schuyler in 1965. He served with distinction in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966 to 1967 and was honorably discharged to care for his brothers and sisters after his mother became ill. Later, he joined the Army National Guard stationed at the 210th Armory. He graduated from Russell Sage College with a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Psychology, earned an Associate in Science in Business Administration from Hudson Valley Community College, and Management degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

As one of the first orthodox converts in the old Albany church, Michael was a spiritual man who found deep comfort and purpose in his faith. He was ordained as the first reader at the church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God.

Michael loved music and was known for his passion for playing drums. Always tapping his fingers rhythmically while humming a tune. He has reached many with his musical talent. To name a few musical chapters, he was part of the Interstatesmen Drum Corps, Albany Police Bagpipe Band, and played the premier of Ironweed with the band he formed called the Rainbow Room Trio. He felt blessed to have met all who have crossed his path as a musician and a dreamer.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Michael’s family on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 4 to 6 pm at the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God Church, 617 Sand Creek Road, Colonie, NY 12205, followed by the Panahida service. 

Funeral services will be Monday morning, March 23 at 9 am at the Church (Colonie, NY). Interment will follow at Holy Trinity Monastery Cemetery, 1407 Robinson Rd, Jordanville, NY 13361 at 1 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God church (NOTMOG-Major Projects). 

To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.newcomeralbany.com. Memory Eternal.