Michael J. Spin
December 9, 1952 – June 24, 2025
SPIN- Michael J. of Lockport, NY passed unexpectedly on June 24, 2025—just six weeks after the death of his beloved wife of 47 years, Beverly. The few who truly knew him, know he died of a broken heart.
Born and raised in Buffalo, NY to Ukrainian immigrant, John and Agnes R. (Kovalaskas) Spin, Mike grew up on Texas Street, where he met both the love of his life, and her sister Judy, who quickly became one of his closest and lifelong friends. He and Beverly moved to Lockport in the 1980’s to raise their family, and it was there they built a home full of loud classical music, food, love, and hot summer days spent by the pool.
He is survived by his beloved children, Nicky Spin and Michael D. (Cathe) Spin; and his cherished granddaughters, Hailey and Samantha Spin. He is also survived by his brother, John (Joann) Spin; his sister, Deborah (Christopher) Marchewka; and his sisters-in-law, Judith (late Dennis) Wnek, and Donna (Robert Carr) Gauthier. Adored nieces and nephews: Ashley and Robert, Paladino, and David J (Robin) Gauthier. Also survived by his great nephew, Anthony Mancone, his great niece, Malania, McKeever, and his great-great nephew, Lorenzo Gauthier.
Michael was predeceased by his devoted wife, Beverly; his sister-in-law, Francis (late Anthony D. DeMarie) Gauthier-DeMarie, and his great nephew, Dalton Gauthier.
He wasn’t a saint in the way Beverly was. He wasn’t the perfect husband, or the perfect father—but he was deeply human, a sensitive man, and completely and undeniably in love with his wife. She was his everything, his constant. And when she passed, something in him simply could not stay. His devotion to her was so complete, that living without her, was unfortunately, never an option.
Mike worked as a corrections officer at Orleans County for 40 years. He was deeply devoted to his family, fiercely loyal, and quietly proud of the life he built. He was most known for his love of classical music, cooking, his beloved flowers he would purchase at the beginning of every summer, and his best friend and “Granddog,” Bean.
Mike was a quiet historian in his own right— armed with an unshakable memory for dates, battles, and the forgotten corners of World War II. He’d often pause and ask ‘do you know what happened on this day?’ and then answer it himself with a kind of pride and reverence for history.
He had a special place in his heart for Halloween and Christmas, and was known for throwing the most elaborate themed parties—Halloween, birthdays, and summer luaus complete with handmade costumes, decorations, and cakes so detailed they looked like artwork. He and Bev won awards for “best-decorated house” in Lockport on multiple occasions. During the holidays, their home often resembled the North Pole itself.
His passing was sudden, but his heart had already gone with her. The kind of love he carried for Bev didn’t know how to exist without her. What remains is the echo of that devotion – a legacy of loyalty, laughter, and a house that always felt like home.
Hy heart, sympathies, and Prayers are with the Spin Family during this time.
To my Dear friend ,Mike I have known you sense I was 4 years old, Every occasion that mattered in my life , you and Bev shared with me. I will carry both of you forever in my heart, Because you both are a part of me. You and Bev are free now. I love you both.
I worked with Mike for 30 of his 40 years in Corrections. My fondest memory of Mike was when he would let my kids get into the weapons pass thru draw and put them into the arsenal. After hours when we would get my check on pay days. Those days are long gone when we could have a little fun at the “JAIL”.My 3 girls still talk about Mr.HELLO !!! I always enjoyed working with him.At Bev’s wake you could feel how deeply heartbroken he was. My heart goes out to his family.
Sorry to hear of your loss Nicky. Sending prayers 🙏🙏❤️
My sincerest condolences. He was always so kind.
Mike was one of the first guys that greeted me when I was transferred to Orleans CF and through out, always had a calming affect on me and everyone he knew. Sundays in the arsenal were classical music and his wealth of knowledge was deep. Kind hearted and honest. Im sure his family will miss both Bev and Mike deeply. Im so sorry for their loss.
I first met Mike when he was assigned to my squad in a National Guard MP unit in Buffalo. Our first taste of Corrections was working at the Fort Dix Stockade in New Jersey, Summer of 1973. Years later we worked together in the Albion Admin Annex when it was the male work release on the 2nd floor and male KL on the 1st floor.
My deepest heartfelt sorrow for your loss, My condolences to the Spin and Gauthier families, May he rest in peace.
Working alongside of Mike at Orleans are a part of some of my fondest memories as a CO. He was very proud of his family. He loved all of you and would tell me stories of the kids and his mother all the time. I’m so sorry for so much loss in your family at once, but it’s so poetic that he’d follow your mom’s passing so quickly. He truly adored her. Thinking of you all. Rest in peace with your Bride Mike. 💙
Sorry to hear the loss of your father. Mike was a pleasure to work with! I enjoyed talking with him even though we had to listen to classical music, LOL! I considered him as one of my friends and though we haven’t talked since his retirement, I will miss him! We would find the things that would annoyed him, like putting a banana peel on the desk or placing the phone handle on the wrong way, and he would see it and say ” OH, WHAT THE HELL!” then fix it. Rest in peace Mike, you’re now with the love of your life Bev. My condolences to his family.