Michael LeRoy Dove

Michael’s latter years were marked by chronic hereditary lung ailments which significantly restricted his activity. As a young child, a calcium deficiency in his leg required him to be bed-ridden at Shriners Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania for eight months. In between, he lived as full a life as one could possibly hope for.

Born in Pasadena, California on April 9, 1946, Michael alternated between living in Southern California and southwestern New York and northwestern Pennsylvania until his early teenage years. He graduated from Frewsburg Central School’s class of 1964.

Michael worked for the Town of Carroll as an equipment operator from 1969 until 1973, worked for DeBell Vending from 1973 until 1994, and was the Maintenance and Transportation Manager and Cafeteria Manager for Frewsburg Central School from 1994 until his retirement in 2008.

Michael’s most lasting gift to his community was service, whether serving his town, county, State or Country. Stationed primarily aboard the USS Duluth, Michael served in Vietnam from 1965 until 1968. He was a board member of the New York Association for Pupil Transportation for nine years and was President of the Chautauqua County Association for Pupil Transportation for nine years. Michael was a lifetime member of the Frewsburg Fire Department, having served for more than 50 years, variously serving as Captain, 2nd Assistant Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, and Fire Chief for 2 years. He was also a past member of the Chautauqua County Fire Advisory Board, and taught Chautauqua County Fire Rescue courses at JCC.

Michael coached Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball for 16 years; assisted in organizing the 13-year-old East Lake Babe Ruth prep league, served on the original Town of Carroll Park Committee, and was involved in building the first softball fields at the Town Park. Michael was also a member of the town board for the Town of Carroll for twelve years.

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Jackie Robinson.

Few who were around Michael could say that he did not have a significant and meaningful impact on their lives, whether it be his colleagues, friends, relatives, children, or grandchildren. By any measure, his life was important far in excess of any awards, achievements or material possessions earned or acquired.

Michael was predeceased by his Father, Leroy Dove, by his Mother, Marie Raisley, by two stepfathers, Carl Rinell and Clifford Raisley, and by one brother, Brian Dove.

He is survived by two brothers, Gary F. Dove and Donald Dove, by two children, Gary and Christopher, by two daughters in law, Kerri and Marna, by three grandchildren, Addison, Kaden and Abigail, and by his wife of 53 years, Cheryl.

“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10:

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Family and friends are welcome from 1-4 pm on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Michael’s house at 657 Oak Hill Rd, Frewsburg for a time of visiting and refreshments.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.wounded warriorproject.org/); to Shriners Hospital (https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/giving) or to the Frewsburg Fire Department.

You may leave a memory of Michael and words of condolence by visiting www.petersonfh.net.