MICHAEL J. DANAHER

SCHAGHTICOKE - Michael J. Danaher, 83, died at Ellis Hospital on Saturday, March 10, 2018 after a long illness. Born in Limerick, Ireland, Mike was the son of Patrick and Alice (Rafters) Danaher. He is the husband of the late Diane Danaher whom he married in 1963. Mike played professional soccer for the FAI League from age 14-22 for his hometown team the Limerick Superblues before immigrating to the US under the sponsorship of his sister Eva in 1957. A longtime resident of Schaghticoke, Mike was a Soccer Coach for many years with Hoosic Valley and enjoyed many years of coaching the travel team, capping it off with an under sixteen championship. He was employed by the Steel Mill in Troy for 4 years. He retired from Ford Motor Company after 25 years of service. In retirement, he was able to focus on being an avid Notre Dame Football fan, watching thoroughbred races and playing golf. Mike was the youngest boy of 15 brothers and sisters. He is predeceased by his wife Diane Danaher after 41 years of marriage. He leaves behind his four children, Kathleen (Scott) Danaher of Colonie, Lisa ( William) Canale of Niskayuna, Jan ( Craig) Madigan of Melrose and John (Donna) Danaher of Eagle Bridge. He is also survived by seven beautiful grandchildren and one beautiful great granddaughter. Calling hours will be held from 4-7:00pm on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at the Chase-Smith Family Funeral Homes, 173 Main Street, Schaghticoke. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 11:30am at Transfiguration Parish, Schaghticoke. He will be laid to rest with his beloved wife in the spring in Elmwood Cemetery, Schaghticoke. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society (3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204) from where he adopted several of his cats. Online remembrances may be made at www.chasesmithfamily.com