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6 tree(s) planted in memory of Michael Suchan
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Lori an Don Leone planted 3 trees in memory of Michael Suchan
Thursday, October 23, 2025
3 trees were planted in memory of
Michael J. Suchan
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We lost a beautiful, funny, and very talented friend, but Heaven gained a great one someone whose kindness and humor will always be remembered!!! Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Colleen Cummings planted a tree in memory of Michael Suchan
Saturday, November 15, 2025
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Mike was a pleasure. I loved listening to his stories, especially about his and Karens travels. Lancaster Ave is not the same. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Suzy Suchan planted a tree in memory of Michael Suchan
Friday, November 14, 2025
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Such a lively, entertaining soul who was a great storyteller. I can easily hear his voice. Much love and comfort to the family. God bless you all. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Tyler Suchan posted a condolence
Friday, November 14, 2025
I will always thank Uncle Mike for teaching us the value of appreciation - whether it be a person, a place, or a moment in time. His words of wisdom and encouragement will be ones I remember for the rest of my days. I admire his dedication to saying "yes" to something new, and to experience all that life has to offer. Uncle Mike taught us that joy is plentiful in this world, and that wonder can be found anywhere if you take the time to look. May he be living even more lavishly in eternity than he did with us here.
Thank you for all of the support, experiences, and laughter that you shared with our family. Keep the vodka cold for us Uncle Mike - we'll need a martini when we see you next.
Love,
Tyler
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Christopher Suchan posted a condolence
Thursday, November 13, 2025
How can one sum up a life as rich as my uncle’s in just a few short paragraphs? It’s impossible. But, I hope I can capture the essence of who my uncle was and what he meant to me to my greatest ability….
My Uncle Mike was, truly and unequivocally, himself. Unapologetic in the way he was and the things he loved. He loved the arts, his hometown of Buffalo, New York, his travels, and his family. I never knew anyone who had such a zest for life and encouraged others to have the same passion for being alive. He sought the things in life that truly inspired him, and encouraged others to do the same. He lived boldly, spoke his mind, and walked with confidence wherever he went, whether it was down Elmwood Avenue or in a land across the ocean. My uncle was steady, yet knew when to throw caution to the wind and step outside of his comfort zone to explore something new, whether it was a new dish, a new country, or to have a new potential friend in his life. Regardless of the occasion, he opened his arms and soul to life’s prospects, and led by example of how life should be lived.
My uncle had an eye for the aesthetic, which directly contributed to him being a talented artist. He made many drawings in his youth and I was even blessed to receive two of his own drawings as a gift for my current home. He was also a Shea's season pass holder and saw all genres of plays and performances at this venue, which he passionately contributed his time and money toward, even going so far as to help restore it with his son, my cousin, Ian, many summers ago. He loved that old style of warmth and grandeur so much he even had his wedding reception at Shea’s Performing Arts Center. He stood for the belief that places which offer such cultural identity should be preserved so that artistic expression can continue to serve and inspire future generations.
My uncle also had an eye for architecture, often quizzing his niece and nephews on which mythological creature carved in stone resided near the top of some of Buffalo’s most historic buildings. He loved Art Deco, which is also my favorite form of architecture, likely as a direct influence of my Uncle Mike. The larger than life perspectives it offered resonated with him, and I believe this to be a reflection of his inner self: To live larger than life, even if it is beyond our means. (Yes, I am nodding to Oscar Wilde, whom Uncle Mike quoted frequently.) He loved the arts so much, even his home was a marvel to look at (and if you’ve been lucky enough to go inside, you know what I mean.) My Uncle Mike and Aunt Karen meticulously decorated their home from the way the curtains draped, to the way the sun shined through their stained glass windows, to the glassware used to hold one of his favorite concoctions: A dirty martini. Even his garden he brought to life every year was a work of art. Every detail of his home was set with intention and a feast for the eyes. It made his home unequivocally his and my aunt's, and it was there, right in the Elmwood Village, he could surround himself with the things, places, and people he loved.
My uncle knew how to relax. Oftentimes at family gatherings, my uncle would play jazz music, (another one of my favorite genres of music I shared with him), as well as the hits from artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Patsy Cline, just to name a few. My uncle taught my brother and I how to shake a perfect martini along with his golden rule for that: Always keep your vodka in the freezer! Add in a lit cigar and arm chair with a foot rest, and all you’d have to do was, as he would say, “Pat me on the head and wish me goodnight.” He taught me how to enjoy the simple pleasures in life and not be afraid to dabble in luxury here and there, because you only live once. He understood how precious life was, and for that reason, it should be cherished. That is why, when I go in for a “Cheers” when sharing a cocktail with dear loved ones, I will remember to “Clink twice for good luck!” as he taught me.
Uncle Mike also had exceptional culinary skills, making lavish dishes for my Aunt Karen and his guests to entertain for the night. He even taught my brother and I how to make steak au poivre with frites, a decadent meal with the risk of creating a small flash fire in the kitchen. Eyebrows intact, we successfully made the meal with impeccable results. Even when we would go out to eat, he taught us how and when to peruse a buffet. Just to see what looked good right from the start, and what deserved a place on our plates when we got up a second time.
One of the things I truly loved about my uncle was his willingness to explore the world at large. Beginning in my youth, I can remember him travelling with his family to places such as Egypt, Russia, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Austria. I loved when he would return from his travels to tell us of the places he had seen, the people he had interacted with, and the cultures he had witnessed. It inspired me to begin my own travels and to share as much of it as I can with my family. In fact, my last interaction with him was about the sites I had seen in London, England in September of 2025. I even told him I was having a ruby port at the Guards Bar at the Old War Offices where Winston Churchill planned his fight against Nazi Germany, and where Ian Flemming stayed and drew inspiration for his James Bond novels. As I was sipping my port, I couldn’t help but think of him, and I am glad I texted the man that introduced me to port in the first place.
My uncle was the greatest storyteller I had ever known. When I was very young, and we had family gatherings, I often stayed back with the adults just to hear my uncle tell his stories that had all of us crying with laughter. A natural-born storyteller, he could read the room within seconds, and not only recount his experiences with elaborate detail, but also rise to his feet and move in such animated ways it made you feel you were right there with him reliving his adventures. We laughed so hard we cried for hours into the night with our stomachs hurting from so much laughter. Those are the fondest memories I recall, and the times I miss the most. When we were all together, sharing a moment in laughter and pure happiness. Living entirely in the present moment. I am eternally grateful my uncle had that ability on those around him: To let everything else just melt away and only live in the moment at hand. Giving us the gift of laughter and connection.
My uncle inspired his niece, nephews, and son to be more cultured. Whenever we would receive a gift from him for the holidays or for our birthdays, it was almost always something that drove a passion of ours, or encouraged us to try something new. If we were driven to cook, the gift would be a cookbook, or new culinary devices that sharpened our skills or gave us an edge in the kitchen. He would even seek to inspire us to try new things by giving us gift certificates for a day or night out on the town with him and my Aunt Karen, encouraging us to try something different from the ordinary. Whether it was for a cooking class to make a new dish, attending a widely acclaimed play, or trying a new restaurant, we always had so much fun because we were in the best company. Even the ornaments he would gift us for our own Christmas trees during the holidays had so much thought behind them. He knew what we loved and was intentional with every act of kindness he had done.
Most unique to my experience, he was my godfather. For as long as I can remember, this meant that, should anything happen to my own parents, my Uncle Mike, with Aunt Karen as my godmother, would step in and take care of me. Having known this all my life, I knew I would always be looked after and have a place to call home, with a roof over my head, a warm bed to sleep in, and a hot meal to come home to. (And, when I was old enough, a martini to sip on.) I knew Uncle Mike would always support me no matter what I did or said in life. He was a constant in my life I could always depend on, and could always count on to receive his happiness, generosity, and warmth. He had such great influence shaping the man I eventually became, and I hope that I can always conduct myself with the same level of dignity, honor, grace, and class that he had. He will always be a man of principle and an upstanding role model I will always look up to. Although I will miss him saying “Dear nephew” when he greeted me, I am thankful for the memories we’ve shared together, and the lasting influence he’s had over me. In that way, I feel he is still with me as I carry him in my heart. And that will forever make me smile.
Although you might not be physically here with us, Uncle Mike, I know you are near. May you continue to watch over us and guide us in the right direction, no matter what we do or where we go in life.
May God bless you, Uncle Mike. You are a wealth beyond measure, a God given treasure.
Love always,
Your dear nephew and godson,
Christopher
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Steve Suchan posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Too many memories, so little time. You left a lasting impression on my sons. Rest in peace. Your loving brother, Steve.
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Sally Tenhagen posted a condolence
Monday, November 10, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. I haven't seen Mike in years, back from our Tops days at Mineral Springs. He was a great manager, and we discovered our mutual love of NYC and the theater we would talk about our favorite shows! My prayers are with you all at this time. May he rest in peace.
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kimberly loucks pledged to donate to Shea’s Buffalo Theater Restoration
Thursday, November 6, 2025
With Deepest Condolences, Sincerely, Gibson, McAskill & Crosby, LLP
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Peter Caty posted a condolence
Sunday, October 26, 2025
I’m truly sad at Michael’s passing. I grew up going to the Suchan household all the time in high school. Michael was always such a friendly and lively presence. I’m so glad I got to spend as much time as I did with him.
The last time I saw him, he embraced me like a son. He was so excited to take a trip to Austria with Karen, Ian and Sasha. I have no doubt Michael lived life to the fullest. I’m so glad I knew you.
Love,
Peter Caty
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The family of Michael J. Suchan uploaded a photo
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
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A Memorial Tree was planted for Michael Suchan
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Cannan Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc
3155 Orchard Park Road
Orchard Park, New York
14127
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James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc
2397 Seneca Street
Buffalo, New York
14210
Tel: (716) 822-1773
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