Michael “Mike” Mager, 71 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (April 22, 2024) at Crossroads House.
He was born July 12, 1952 in Batavia, a son of the late Henry and Kathleen Hurd Mager.
He was predeceased by his wife Jill Smith who passed away in 2022 and sister, Gay Parker.
Mike graduated from Batavia High School in 1970, where he worked in the family business, Arctic Refrigeration of Batavia, Inc during high school and summer vacations. Mike attended Alfred State College majoring in civil engineering and in 1971, started working full time with Arctic.
Mike worked as a service technician and installer. He was instrumental in expanding the Arctic Refrigeration business to include fruit and vegetable storage. He installed refrigeration and ventilation systems in fruit and vegetable storages around the country. Mike was a respected and knowledgeable guest speaker for Cornell University, Penn State and Rutgers University on fruit and vegetable storage for the past 20 plus years. Mike has passed on his knowledge and trained his nephew Justin Mager to continue in his footsteps with this process.
In 1991, Hank and Leo Mager transferred ownership of Arctic Refrigeration of Batavia, Inc to Michael and his brothers Richard and William.
Survivors include his step-daughter, Meghan (Jared) Gallagher of Buffalo. Sisters, Teresa (Richard) Tamfer and Jennifer (James) Jacobs, both of Batavia. Brothers, Richard (Victoria) Mager and William (Patricia) Mager, both of Batavia. Canine companion, Mozart and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (April 26th) from 4-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. A funeral service will be held Saturday, 11am at the funeral home. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations in Mike’s memory to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or www.crossroadshouse.com. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.
ARRANGEMENTS ARE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.
