Assembly Resolution No. 762

BY: M. of A. Conrad

MOURNING the death of Gabriel J. Michael,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, A tragic loss felt by so many who knew him, beloved
basketball coach, Gabriel J. Michael, of Buffalo, New York, died on
Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the age of 43; and

WHEREAS, Gabriel J. Michael was born to Joseph and Anne Michael; he
graduated from Canisius High School in 1998; he had coached basketball
at his alma mater in 2005; throughout the next 18 years, he became one
of the top basketball coaches in Western New York; and

WHEREAS, As Head Coach at Williamsville South High School, Gabriel
J. Michael found success, winning two overall Section VI Class A
championships, leading to the New York State High School Athletic
Association's Class A state semifinals in 2016; in 2018, he continued as
Head Coach for St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute when the Marauders won
the Manhattan Cup Championship and the Monsignor Martin Championship;
and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Gabriel J. Michael was Team Manager at Xavier
University and Assistant Coach in Divisions I and III programs, Canisius
University, and Medaille University; and

WHEREAS, A pillar of his community, Gabriel J. Michael was loved by
friends, family members, colleagues, and basketball players; his love of
coaching high school basketball made him happy, and his joy was
infectious to those around him; he is described as funny, caring,
genuine, thoughtful, unselfish, and understanding; although he was
serious about coaching, he revered people more than his career; and

WHEREAS, Gabriel J. Michael was the beloved son of Joseph and Anne
(nee Schneider) Michael; cherished fiancee of Jillian Bromley; dear
brother of Katie (Kevin) Stoltman; loving uncle of Nate, Sydney, and
Tilly Stoltman; he is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and
friends; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
commitment, Gabriel J. Michael leaves behind a legacy that will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Gabriel J. Michael and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Gabriel J. Michael.