Michael Earl Sinnott Obituary (1942 - 2022)

Michael Earl Sinnott, age 79, of Erie, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, following an extended illness. Mike was born in Meadville on July 19, 1942. His mother, Ethel Elizabeth Moore Sinnott, passed away when Mike was less than a month old. His father, Edward J. Sinnott then married Catherine Hickey Alberstadt Sinnott, they blended their families and raised their children together. Mike married the love of his life, Florence Page Sinnott on April 25, 1961, and they started to build a family as he worked as an apprentice electrician for the IBEW Local 56. His life was full of adventure as they raised their children. He was a founding member of the Erie Skin Divers, where he served as president, a Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol and was the co-captain of the Erie County Sheriff's Department Scuba Search & Rescue Team. Mike was a proud 61-year member of the IBEW Local 56 where he earned the name "Mean Mike". During his years with the IBEW, he was a foreman, general foreman, apprenticeship instructor, JATC director, E board member, and organizer. After his retirement in 2004, he volunteered at the Wesley United Methodist Food Pantry and devoted his time to his family and friends. Mike loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending his time camping, diving, backpacking, and boating. He owned four boats over the course of his life, two of which were pontoon boats that he built himself. He loved nothing more than being on Lake Erie fishing, diving, skiing, cruising to the houseboats, or heading to the beach. Mike was a long-time member of the Commodore Perry Yacht Club and worked on many projects there, including the north wall that has his name welded on it. In 2007, he purchased his ultimate happy place, Camp Shamrock Inn, where he spent many days hunting, hiking, four wheeling, and enjoying his family. Mike loved his family deeply and was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was tough but fair and was always there when needed. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work and perseverance. He had a twinkle in his eye, quick wit, and gift of gab. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Florence; their five children: Darlene, Scott (Karin), Deborah (Michael), Kevin (Peggie), and Heather; nine grandchildren: Matthew (Tonya), Nicholas, Jessica (Andrew), Shannon, Allison (Alex), Rachael, Collin (Eva), Andrew, and Riley (Lia); a great-grandson, Leland; two sisters: Mary Lou Sinnott Etzel (Alan) and Bee Ann Alberstadt Groenendaal; a sister-in-law, Brookie Alberstadt; and beloved pets: Madigan, Jameson, Guinness. In addition to his mother, Ethel, Mike was preceded in death by his father, Edward; stepmother, Catherine; a sister, Judith Sinnott; a brother, John Alberstadt; a brother-in-law, Ed Groenendaal; an aunt and uncle, Mary and Earl Moore; and his grandmother, Louise Moore. The Sinnott family would like to extend a sincere thanks to St. Vincent Hospital, Elmwood Gardens, and Mike's caregiver, Samantha. Family and friends are warmly invited to call at the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 5151 Buffalo Rd. (at Hannon Rd. in Harborcreek Twp.), on Monday from 2 to 4 PM and from 6 until the time of a closing prayer service there at 8 PM. Memorials may be made to Because You Care or Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA.