John R. "Jack" Michaels, M.D., 62, of Pennellville, NY, died peacefully September 2 at home, with his family by his side after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Syracuse, NY, to Dr. and Mrs. William J. Michaels. He attended St. Patrick's Grammar School and CBA High School. He received a B.A. in biology from St. John Fisher College and his master's in biology from West Virginia University. He was a 1981 graduate of SUNY Upstate Medical University, where he received his medical degree. He did his residency in family medicine at St. Joseph's Hospital. Jack had a long and distinguished career as a family physician. He was senior partner and medical director of Family Practice Associates in Liverpool and chief of family medicine at Crouse Hospital. Jack was an avid train collector. He loved boating on the river and lake at his home and spending time with family and friends at their condo in Myrtle Beach. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and making everyone happy. Jack's quick wit and wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed but never forgotten. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Susan Michaels (Robarge); his four children, Paul Michaels (Kelly), John W. Michaels, M.D. (Colette), Susan Michaels Moak (Chris) and William Michaels; his three beloved grandchildren, Jack Michaels, 9, Hadley Michaels, 7, and Connor Moak, 4; and his three brothers, William Michaels (Diane), James Michaels (Betty) and Thomas Michaels (Jean). The Michaels family would like to thank all those who supported and prayed for him during this difficult year. Special thanks for the wonderful care he received at University Hospital Case Western in Cleveland, Ohio, and Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY. Special thanks to Dr. Tony Scalzo, Dr. Mike Sipple, Dr. Jim Satori, Dr. Brad Champagne and Dr. Jeff Hardacre. Jack was loved by all who knew him - friends, colleagues, patients and above all his loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Patrick's Church, 216 N. Lowell Ave., Syracuse, NY 13204. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Dewitt. Calling hours will be 3 to 6 p.m. Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Patrick's Church or to Crouse Hospital Foundation, 736 Irving Ave., Syracuse NY 13210.

Published in Syracuse Post Standard on September 4, 2011