WILTON --- Michael D. Schrock, loving father and grandpa, died peacefully October 18, 2012 at his daughter's home in Queensbury, with his family by his side. He was 74.
Mike was born May 16, 1938 Detroit, Michigan to Gilbert and Betty Schrock. He attended Holy Name parochial school and Birmingham High School, and upon graduation he enlisted with the U.S. Navy in 1956, eventually serving as Quartermaster before his first honorable discharge. After travels at sea and ashore, he attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where he met his (late) wife Claudia. Rejoining the Navy, Mike was chosen for officer candidate school, became a member of the United States Naval Institute, and helped to start the Naval Sea Cadets in Kalamazoo. He was an active member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, continued his studies and graduated in 1965 with a BS degree in Petroleum Marketing. Mike received many commendations as a Naval Reserve Recruiter before his second Honorable Discharge in 1967.
Mike and Claudia moved to Middleburg, New York, and he worked with both the Agway Petroleum Corporation in Cobleskill, and as a sales rep and territory manager for the Sun Oil Company, eventually moving the family to Wilton in 1967. Mike opened Schrock's Service Center gas and repair shop on Marion Avenue in Saratoga Springs in 1973, which was one of the area's largest and most modern repair service centers, consistently winning awards for outstanding appearance. Despite the national gas shortage and extreme price competition of the time, Mike operated the station for many successful years and eventually opened and ran a second Sunoco station on Ballard Road in Wilton. Always the salesman, Mike eventually returned to sales and became a district sales manager for Echlin, Inc. responsible for NAPA sales in the northeast region, and he ended his long career as a Sales Manager for Spa Automotive Supply. Upon retirement, he spent winters in New Port Richey, Florida, most recently with his companion, Aleta (Lee) Reeves.
In addition to his family and friends, Mike loved travel, music and reading, and taking the scenic route. Mike always wanted to try a different direction and see the back roads. Mike also loved music of all kinds but especially polkas, which he shared quite enthusiastically on Sunday mornings! Mike even occasionally played the accordion and the organ to accompany anyone who would sing along.
As a veteran, he was a life member of the VFW Saratoga Post, and the American Legion. He also belonged to the FOE Saratoga Springs and the Elks New Port Richey Post. Mike was an officer and longstanding member of Kiwanis, the Saratoga Springs Chamber of Commerce, and the Wilton Heritage Society. Mike was active in Wilton Town government, including service on the Ethics Advisory Council and the Wilton Republican Committee, and was honored in 2010 after retiring from over fifteen years of service as a Saratoga County Sewer District Commissioner.
Above all, Mike was known and will be remembered for his generosity and willingness to help out anyone, whether family or stranger, top dog or underdog. He especially loved his grandchildren and the time he was able to spend with them, near and far.
Mike is pre-deceased by his parents, Gilbert and Betty Schrock. Mike is survived by his daughters: Abigail Schrock, Cynthia Schrock (Michael) Seeley, Frances (Clifford) Traisman, and Elizabeth (Kyle) Farry, and seven grandchildren, Colin and Eben Farry, Quinn, Leo, Ellis and Nora Traisman, and Clark Seeley. He is also survived by two brothers: Daniel (Jerrette) Schrock of Kansas, and Jim Schrock of Wisconsin, and their children, many cousins, and his loving companion Lee Reeves, and her family.
His family wishes to thank his friend of 30 years, Gary Moon, especially for his support to the family and making Mike's life more enjoyable these last few months. We also wish to especially thank Dr. Thomas Portuese, M.D. of the Broad Street Health Center, and all his staff, for although they knew him a relatively short time, they were truly caring and compassionate people to Mike.
A calling hour will be held Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804.
Burial, with military honors, will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, New York.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations made to the charity of your choice in Mike's memory.
Condolences may be e-mailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com, or mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804.