Michael Stanzak Welsh

Michael Stanzak Welsh, 79, of Clifton Park, fell asleep in the Lord on March 13, 2026. Born in 1946 to 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 earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Psychology from Russell Sage College, an Associate in Science in Business Administration from Hudson Valley Community College, and a Management degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

One of the first Orthodox converts in the old Albany church, Michael was a deeply spiritual man who found profound 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 had a lifelong passion for music and was known for his rhythmic drumming, often tapping his fingers while humming a tune. He touched many lives through his musical talent as a member of the Interstatesmen Drum Corps, the Albany Police Bagpipe Band, and as founder of the Rainbow Room Trio, with whom he performed the premiere of Ironweed. He considered himself blessed to have met so many people through his life as a musician and dreamer.