Obituary of Michael J. Valachovic

Michael J. “Mike” Valachovic passed away on December 15th after a brief illness. Mike was born in Schenectady on December 2, 1943. He was predeceased by his  parents John F. Valachovic and Mary Catherine (Boink).  

He was a graduate of Mohonasen High School, class of 1961, where he was a member of the National Honor Society.

Mike spent his entire life as part of the marine industry. His father began selling Mercury Outboard Motors in the late 40’s and established Schenectady Marine Supply in the 1950’s.  Mike was part of this family business from an early age and eventually assumed responsibility for the entire operation after his fathers passing in 1980. Schenectady Marine was consistently recognized as one of the top-performing Mercury Outboard and boat dealers in the country and  received numerous awards from many of the major manufacturer’s . He was recognized as one of the top marine technicians in the area and was a Mercury Outboard “Master Mechanic”.  He also traveled the east coast as a sales rep for several boat manufacturers, including the locally-based Mohawk Boat Co.. In addition, Mike held management positions with the Boat ‘N RV Warehouse and Waters Edge Marina. He spent the last five years as part of the family-owned Andersen Boat company in Burnt Hills, where he continued to enjoy selling Mercury Outboards and Starcraft Boats right up until a few weeks before his passing.

Mike lived his life “in the fast lane”. Always know for being partial to MOPAR products - over the years he owned a “fleet” of  winged Plymouth Superbirds and Dodge Daytonas,  a ’66 Dodge Hemi Convertible, and several Chrysler 300’s.  He also drag raced 318 Plymouths at Fonda Speedway and South Glens Falls Dragway.  Mike’s “need for speed” extended to boat racing as well – with a Checkmate tunnel boat for closed course events and an adventure running in the Hudson River Marathon (Albany to New York) in a “Switzer Wing”.

Also, on the water, Mike was a member of the Aqua-Batic Water Ski team, as the driver who piloted  a 14’ boat over a ski jump. The team performed at Halfmoon Beach in Crescent, as well at shows in the northeast. He also maintained the team’s boats including a Traveler “twin rig” powered by two Mercs, which was housed at Schenectady Marine.

Often recognized as one of the premier motorsports announcers in the northeast, Mike started this aspect of his career at the Fonda Speedway Drag Strip and then advanced to be the primary announcer at Fonda Speedway, Albany-Saratoga Speedway and Utica-Rome Speedway. He also was part of national broadcast of a NASCAR Cup race from Martinsville, VA. He was a NASCAR member for over

thirty years and still followed the sport closely. 

Mike is survived by his sister, Susan Valachovic Caulfield; several cousins, Jay (Meg) Valachovic, Frank (Joan) Valachovic, Richard (Mary Catherine) Valachovic, Ken (Sandy) Valachovic and Tom (Tammy) Boink. Also an aunt, Milada Valachovic and uncle, Bernard Boink.

In keeping with Michael’s wishes all services were held privately.

Contributions in Michael’s name can be made to the St. John the Evangelist Restoration  Fund,  806 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12308.  Cards of condolence  can be sent to Susan Caulfield, C/O Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Glenville, NY 12302. Online condolences at glenvillefuneralhome.com