Michael Douglas Wilcox Sr.

July 27th, 1946 – August 31st, 2026

Michael Douglas Wilcox Sr., of Saratoga Springs, NY, passed away on August 31st, 2026, in Saratoga Springs. The day marked 58 years since the best day of his life, when he married his high school sweetheart, Donna (Cardillo) Wilcox. Michael was born on July 27th, 1946, to father Clarence and mother Ollie. He graduated from Saratoga Springs High School (‘64) and attended Siena College (‘69) with the assistance of the Hawley Foundation. He married Donna in 1968, and the two honeymooned on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He worked for the NY State Dept. of Civil Service as a Classification and Pay Analyst, commuting to Albany every day.

Michael and Donna raised three sons together: Michael Jr., Justin, and Ryan. The family enjoyed trips to Chatham and Provincetown, where they loved scouring the beach for weird and wonderful treasures.

Michael encouraged each of his sons to follow their dreams. A longtime lover of the arts (especially the orchestra and ballet at SPAC!), he pursued his dream of acting with Home Made Theater. Eventually, he served more than a decade as their Board president and appeared in over twenty productions. He was famously known as Saratoga’s own Benjamin Franklin, introducing many young Saratogians to the nation’s history!

Michael had a gift for making people laugh, whether by telling a joke, playing the spoons, or hosting friends and family by the grill. He savored a good crime novel and could recite Chaucer from memory. He loved reading to his grandchildren and was himself an avid writer who vividly documented family trips and life milestones. When he wasn’t acting or reading, he was a longtime member of BPOE Lodge 161 and volunteered with several community organizations, including the Lake George Opera.

Like his mother, Ollie, Michael was drawn to Florida, where his uncle, “Alligator” Joe Campbell once ran an alligator and ostrich farm. Michael and Donna found their own place in Melbourne Beach, where he volunteered teaching young children about sea turtle conservation.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Donna; his sons Michael (Alyssa), Justin (fiancée Andrea), and Ryan (Anna); and his grandchildren, Catherine, Alasdair, and Benjamin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Ollie, and his sister Patricia.

Relatives and friends may call from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Friday, September 4, 2026 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373). A memorial service will follow from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., concluding with burial at St. Peter's Cemetery at 150 West Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael's honor via mail to The Hawley Foundation for Children, P.O. Box 1017, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. To donate by credit card or for more information, contact support@hawleyfoundation.org or visit hawleyfoundation.org/donate.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com