Michael P. Pelych

Michael Peter Pelych, 33, of 11 Pearl Street, Hornell, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 9, in his home.

Born in Hornell on June 17, 1986, he was the second son of Joseph and Susan (Shepard) Pelych.

Michael grew up in Hornell and finished Hornell High School in 2004. While in school, he cherished the arts and music programs. He most enjoyed painting, playing the guitar, and studying films. Following high school, Michael attended Finger Lakes Community College and later the Colorado Film School.

It was in Colorado where he embraced his love of the outdoors. He spent almost a decade in the Denver area before re-locating to Hornell and enjoyed snowboarding, cycling, whitewater rafting, and camping. Michael was a free spirit who lived his life to the fullest and was most at peace while in nature.

In CO, Michael also developed a love for the culinary arts and worked for the Food Bank of the Rockies. He was often selfless and found gratification in public service. After working for Marino’s in Hornell for the past several years, he had hoped to continue this career path back in CO in the coming weeks.

Michael will most be remembered by friends and family as being a kind and generous person. With an infectious laugh and gregarious personality, he made friends of all walks of life everywhere he lived and traveled. Everyone has their own special Michael story, whether about his quirky wardrobe, his various mustaches, or his many self-given nicknames such as “The Pelychmeister,” among countless other stories. The world is truly a less interesting, less kind, and sadder place without him.

Michael was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Stanley and Beatrice Shepard; his paternal grandfather, Joseph Pelych; and his beloved godmother, Sharon (Shepard) Miazga.

Survivors include his parents, Joseph and Susan Pelych of Hornell; two brothers, Thomas and Joseph and Nicole (Toro); his paternal grandmother, Thelma Pelych; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Calling hours will be held at Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, 285 E. Main Street, Hornell, on Saturday, July 13 from 2:30 to 5:30 pm. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Michael’s life at the Hornell Elks Lodge, 60 Broadway Mall, beginning at 6:00 pm.

Michael’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, or the Hornell Area Family YMCA, 18 Center Street, Hornell.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit the Facebook page of
Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. or www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

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