Obituary of Michael M Huchko

Michael M. Huchko

1942 - 2024

Michael Huchko, 82, of Rome, NY passed away on Monday, July 8th, 2024.  Mike was born in Rome on January 24, 1942, the youngest child of John and Anna (Visocky) Huchko.

Mike was a graduate of Transfiguration School and Rome Free Academy, Class of 1961. An Air Force veteran, he served in Texas, Michigan, the Philippines, and Thailand. He lived in Rome nearly half his life, but raised his family in Plainville, Connecticut. His heart was always in Rome, where he moved back in the mid-2000s.  Mike loved history, photography, and helping others.

For over fifteen years, Mike volunteered at the Rome Historical Society, organizing and cataloging many interesting photos from Rome’s early days such as train wrecks, car races, plane crashes, Fort Stanwix, famous landmarks, and more.  His works include Rome Memories; Rome Through Our History, Vols I and II; and numerous “roving cameraman” bylines in the Rome Daily Sentinel.  He was given the Medal of Order of 1777, the Society’s highest award.

Mike also belonged to numerous groups interested in preserving railroad history, fife and drum corps, aviation, and Polish heritage.  He spent over a decade researching the Rome Locomotive Works, one of the largest industries in 19th century Rome, NY.  His intent was to publish a book when the research was complete.  Later in life, he enjoyed travel, national parks, and following Bald Eagle migration.

His sense of humor permeated throughout his life, and he was always quick with a joke.  He was humble and often enjoyed helping people in a thousand small ways.  Even in his final days, he was cracking jokes with his caregivers and family, looking to make them smile. 

Mike is survived by two children, Mike Huchko and wife Nikki Huchko of Kaneohe, Hawaii and Vicki (Huchko) Lex and husband James of Haddon Township, NJ; their mother Cassandra (Belmont) Huchko; and four granddaughters; Elaine, Sarah, Meghan, and Kate. Uncle Mickie leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind Joanne Scott, his longtime companion.  Mike was lucky to have met Joanne, who would always laugh at his jokes, hold his hand when he most needed it, and could make him grin from ear to ear with a simple smile. He was  predeceased by his siblings; Alberta Occhionero, Caroline Matwijec, and John and Richard Huchko.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mike’s name may be made to the Rome Historical Society, 200 Church Street, Rome, NY 13440 or online at romehistoricalsociety.org/donation.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday July 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome, N.Y. 13440. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.