Dateline: Glenville, NY
Michael Charles Frates, age 58, passed away surrounded by loved ones Sunday January 29, 2023. Michael, "Mike", was born on January 5, 1965 in Niskayuna, NY to Mary Louise Frates (Sleeter) (predeceased) and Jackson Frates Jr. He graduated high school from Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School in 1983. He then went on to study Culinary Arts and later studied Hotel and Restaurant Management. He spent his younger years preparing delicious foods for many people. Later he went on to have his own business- Practical Paint where he restored people’s homes.
Mike had many past times he enjoyed. One of his favorites that followed him into adulthood was reading. Anyone who knew Mike knew he enjoyed a good book. Another thing Mike loved was the ocean. He spent many of his post high school years surfing and sailing. Mike had a soft spot for animals, especially turtles. He would stop to help the turtles cross the road and was even known as “turtle Mike” by many.
Mike also spent hours worth of days in the woods. Although Mike was faithful to the Lord, he thought of the Adirondack Mountains as his church. The mountains were his safe space. Rain or shine Mike would escape to the mountains.
Although for many years Mike complained of the cold weather and hibernated during the winter, in recent years he found a hobby to get him through the cold months- ice climbing. Mike spent many hours out on the ice. He looked forward to the cold days and when most people wanted to snuggle up with a blanket, he would go out on the ice.
His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his father Jackson Frates Jr, brother Robert Frates, daughter Harmony Frates, grandson Zachary Frates, and many lifetime long friends that were family to Michael.
Everyone is welcome to join for the celebration of life on Saturday February 11th, 2023 at the Burnt Hills Baptist Church, 193 Kingsley Rd, Burnt Hills, NY, at 2pm. All are welcome to come in for snacks following the service. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to Thatcher Park Climbing Coalition at https://climbthacher.org/.