Michael W. “Mike” Barsalow, Sr. M’71
Source: https://www.aldousfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Michael-William-Barsalow-Sr?obId=48338679
FAIR HAVEN – Michael William Barsalow Sr., 87, of Fair Haven passed away peacefully Thursday May 7, 2026, at the Rutland Regional Medical Center following a long illness.
He was born on Feb 12, 1939, the son of John J. and Catherine (Griffith) Barsalow.
Mike graduated from Fair Haven High School in 1958 (where he played in the first basketball game in the new gym) and the Castleton State College in 1963. He attended graduate school at Saint Michael’s College, Ithaca College and the University of Rhode Island.
He married his high school sweetheart Joyce Heath in Fair Haven on January 24, 1960
Mike began his teaching career at Wells Elementary School, 2 years at Mount Saint Joseph, then 29 years at the Fair Haven Union High School following his retirement he taught 4 years at Benson Elementary School.
Mr. Barsalow enjoyed coaching for the Special Olympics, Varsity Girls Softball, Varsity Baseball, Assistant Football Coach, he started the varsity soccer program, and for 23 years coached Boys Basketball, achieving 318 wins and the state championship in 1971 along with 6 MMVL Championships.
He earned the Division Coach of the Year Award in 1971, was chosen to coach Alhambra team in 1990, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008. His former Basketball players and School honored him in 2024.
Mike also ran a successful Lawn Care Business. He was the Director at Camp O-Wan-Ya-Ka for 2 years.
He served the town of Fair Haven as town manager for 5 years and for over 50 years on the Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Department, rising to the rank of Chief.
His favorite hobby was fishing with friends and family on his boat “Jump Shot’.
He was a very devout Catholic and a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years Joyce of Fair Haven, a son Joseph Barsalow of Fair Haven, 2 daughters Kathryn Moriarity and her husband Francis of Benson and Susan Eaton and her husband Jim of Parkton, NC, , Grandchildren John Barsalow and Tyler Barsalow of Rutland, Shannon Moriarity Bashaw of Castleton, Zachary Eaton and Megin Eaton Schlabach of Fayetteville, NC.
He was predeceased by an infant daughter Suzanne in 1969 and a son Michael W. Barsalow Jr in 2011.
Mike will keep smoking his pipe for all that enjoyed its wonderful smell.