A Franciscan Friar for 51 years.

From 1956 to 1962, Fr. Michael spent high school and his first two years of college at St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y. He entered the Order at St. Raphael's Novitiate in Lafayette, N.J., in 1962 and professed his first vows there the following year.

Fr. Michael attended St Francis College in Rye Beach, N.H., from 1963 to 1965. He professed his final vows in 1967 at Christ the King Seminary in Allegany, and was ordained in 1968 at the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, D.C. During his time in formation, Fr. Michael earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from St. Bonaventure University and a theology degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

In 1969, Fr. Mike began working at Bishop Timon High School, Buffalo, NY, where he stayed until 1986, serving in various roles such as director of development, treasurer, instructor, and moderator of the Franciscan movement. During that time, he earned a master's in education, with certification in social studies, from Niagara University, completing his degree in 1975.

From 1986 to 1989, Fr. Michael served as parochial vicar of St. Martin of Tours Parish, Buffalo. In 1990, he earned an MBA from Canisius College in Buffalo.

From 1990 to 1992, Fr. Michael was assistant to the vice president for business and finance, and an adjunct faculty member at St. Bonaventure University in Western New York. Later, he served as director of strategic information and auxiliary services at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, and director of finance of St. Francis Chapel in Providence.

In 2002, he returned to St. Martin of Tours Parish, where he served again as parochial vicar until 2006. From 2005 to 2009, he assisted the pastoral care team at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo. This ministry overlapped with his work as parochial vicar of St. Gregory the Great Parish in Williamsville, N.Y., where he served from 2006 to 2008. From 2009 to 2011, he was pastor at St. Clare Parish, Buffalo .

Presently Fr. Mike was a Chaplain and member of the Palliative Care consult team at the Buffalo VA Medical Center, and Chaplain of the Catholic Committee on Scouting.

He was predeceased by his parents, the late Mary Jane (nee Rodkey) and late Michael F. Putich.

The Devoted brother of Dolores Connors, Kathleen (Kenneth) Kraft and Thomas Putich and loving uncle of Therese (Robert) Seward, Paula Connors Gil, Michael E. (Robin) Connors, DC Wolfe, Kenneth (Amy) Kraft, Elizabeth (James) Brown and also survived by many great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

Friars and family will be present for visitation on Friday from 4-7 PM at the Pietszak Funeral Home, 2400 William St. (near Harlem), in Cheektowaga, NY.

Relatives and friends are invited to assemble on Saturday at St. Martin of Tours Parish (1140 Abbott Road, Buffalo, NY 14220) from 9:30 to 10:30 AM for a gathering prior to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM.

Burial will be held at the Friars Plot, in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Olean, NY on Saturday at 2 PM following the Mass.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Veterans Hospital Hospice Program, C/O Veterans Hospital, 3495 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215 or the Catholic Committee on Scouting, C/O Youth & Young Adult Ministry, 795 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203.