Michael A. McNicholas

I was born May 24, 1940 to Harold and Matilda McNicholas in Hartford, CT. My sister Marianne was born several years later but we remained a very close family that lived on the poor side of the tracks. My life consisted of working very hard through my childhood into adulthood to support the family. After graduating from Hartford High, I started my career playing catcher for the semi-pro baseball league the San Francisco Giants, but then pursued my love of flying. I attended many schools as USC, Arizona State, Indiana University, A&M and USM and received two Doctorates, one in Philosophy and the other in Aerospace Engineering. Flying was always the love of my life, either flying commercial or military (combat pilot). I was always one with the plane with God sitting in the seat next to me, but my two greatest accomplishments in life are my son Scott and my wife Marilyn. I am an active member with the Ludlow Fish & Game Club. So as I travel on, I know I lived a great life, accomplished many things, and I am now ready to navigate the heavens with my co-pilot beside me. Services will be held Wednesday, April 6th at 3:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. Friends and family may gather at 2:30 p.m. to greet the family and pay their respects to Mike. Donations may be made to Ludlow Fish & Game Club, 200 Sportsmans Rd., Ludlow, MA 01056.