


Obituary of Michael Joseph Milewski
Michael Joseph Milewski, 66, of Rome, NY passed away on January 28, 2025 at Crouse Hospital surrounded by family. Born in Rome, NY on July 26, 1958, he was the son of James A. and Alberta (Healey) Milewski Sr. He graduated from Rome Catholic High in 1976. Michael married Elizabeth Paul in 1978 and later was united in marriage to Melody Kiepert on July 22, 2000, a ceremony which took place at Trinity Church in Rome, NY. Michael was a member of Boy Scout Troop 8 at the Transfiguration Church and earned his Eagle Scout Badge in 1972. In 1974 Michael proudly served in ROTC colorguard at Rome Catholic High School.
Michael was passionate about horses from a young age and his life was centered around this passion. His love of horses started when he was just a young boy riding his beloved horse throughout his neighborhood. Following graduation from high school Michael received his certification from Eastern States Farrier school in Pheonix, NY. Michael continued horse-shoeing in Massachusetts, and although always busy with work, he made time to enter rodeo competitions. He was always proud of the belt buckles he earned while competing and was more than willing to tell a cowboy’s tale as to how he earned them.
Michael’s knowledge and self-taught art and craftsmanship of blacksmithing gained him many customers along with opportunities to demonstrate these skills at the Erie Canal Village which he considered his home forge. Michael started work as a seasonal blacksmith at the Erie Canal Village in 1980, and in 1984 he took over as the resident caretaker; this allowed him to fulfill his lifelong dream of being an old-time farmer, historian, and canal boat operator.
Michael was well known across the state for his knowledge of the history of the Erie Canal which was something he enjoyed sharing with everyone. This passion and knowledge landed him on the History and Discovery Channels along with the We Made This City television series. A highlight in his tenure was pulling the canal boat that helped transport the Olympic Torch for the 1996 games. Michael was also honored to have been the last hoggee to drive a team of mules along the Erie Canal. His career at the Erie Canal Village was more than a job, it was a lifestyle one of which he was proud to live and it carried him through to 2012.
After leaving the Erie Canal Village Michael could not quite hang up the reins. He continued to farm with his horses and treated friends and families with wagon and sleigh rides both around the farm and the weeklong getaways to the Otter Creek State Forrest. Michael’s love of working with horses extended into the Amish communities of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio; he was always a welcome presence in these communities to discuss farming, horses, and all the tales that horsemen share. Michael won the New York State Draft Horse championship several times and enjoyed teaching those who were interested in various skills and methods that he acquired in his many years of experience. Michael enjoyed working with special friends Earl Hall and Johnny Aiello whom were always willing to lend a helping hand around the farm. He especially enjoyed teaching Earl how to drive a team of horses.
Michael was also employed by MidAir USA, Inc., Premier Aircraft Repair Facilities and Meyda Tiffany. After obtaining his commercial driver’s license in 2024, he found a new passion in driving buses for the Westmoreland School district. He enjoyed the students on his bus routes so much that he would attend their sporting events and extracurricular activities.
Michael had a deep love for animals, he raised many over the years including chickens, pigs, mules, and horses. He especially loved his beloved yellow Labradors, all three of whom were each named Charlie. Michael was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and could often be seen rooting for his favorite team while wearing his authentic cheesehead, purchased during a stadium tour at Lambeau field. He also cheered on his fantasy team, The Maulers and won the coveted trophy in 2009. He was also a polished dancer, he belonged to three local dance organizations and spent many a night ballroom dancing with his wife Melody, where he could Polka like no one else.
Michael enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s concerts, sporting events, birthday parties, and building a family campsite where they could gather and cook outdoors and just spend time as a family. Whether it was at barn dances just down the road, ice harvest festivals in the frigid winter months, or friendly ploughing competitions, Michael loved being surrounded by his friends. His favorite events were the pig roasts he hosted annually to gather his extended family, although the most special one to Michael was for his wedding to Melody. Michael was the heart of many events, organizations, friends, and family and will be missed in several circles of friends he had in life, and of course, by his family of whom he was so proud. There are many horseman and farmers a tad wiser due to Michaels advice and friendship over the years and many animals well loved thanks to Michael.
Michael is survived by his wife Melody Kiepert; sons Dr. Andrew (Mina) Milewski and Christopher (Kaylee) Milewski; daughter Michelle (Jason) Decharo; stepdaughters Kelly (Chris) Carinci; Christine Rudd, Michelle (Felix) Colosimo; brother James (Susan) Milewski; grandchildren Emily Perrault, Nicolina Decharo, Cooper Charlotte, Cylvia and Lucas Milewski, Conner, Avery, Christopher, Carinci, Allidy Yoxall, Cooper and Madelyn Colosimo, Rhiannon Rudd (Tommy All), Hunter Rudd (Tori Warner); mother Alberta Milewski; mother-in- law Elsa Kiepert; nephews James and TJ and their families. He was predeceased by his father James Milewski and father-in-law Gunter Kiepert.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Church, 215 W. Court St. Rome, NY on February 17, 2025, at 11:00 am. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home.
The service will be available on zoom for viewing.
The meeting number is 84879534726 and the passcode is 648952
Celebration of Life

In Loving Memory
Michael Milewski
1958 - 2025
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