Michael J. Clough

OBITUARY: Michael J. Clough (26 September 1941—12 September 2025)

HAMILTON — Michael John Clough, 83, of Hamilton, NY, died at Community Memorial Hospital, Hamilton, 12 September 2025. The cause of death was COVID pneumonia.

Known to most as “Mike”, he was born 26 September 1941, in Batavia, NY, the second child of the late Jeremiah Charles and Arlene Ruth (Zecher) Clough. Mike lived his entire life in New York State, first in Bergen; later, in Cape Vincent, on a small farm in Rosier, in Constableville, and in Rome, where he was graduated from Rome Free Academy (1959). Mike maintained close, loving bonds with his parents, siblings and extended family throughout his life.

He attended Albany College of Pharmacy (BS, 1963), and spent his career as a pharmacist in and around Utica, NY, where, in June 1964, he met his future wife, Melanie Ann Dowdall, also a pharmacist. They married 1st October 1966; and had three children. In 1978, the couple purchased College Pharmacy “on the corner” in Hamilton, which they operated until 2004.

Mike’s enjoyed hockey, which he played in his youth, and frequently attended at Colgate. He was a skilled woodworker and handyman. In 1980, he and Melanie purchased the 1895 Tanner Mansion at 49 Payne Street in Hamilton. Restoring, beautifying, and maintaining the Queen Anne-style Victorian house became a decades-long labor of love; Mike did much of the work himself until he was 80. He was an enthusiast for all things automotive and nautical, meticulously maintained his toys, and enjoyed visiting transport museums, shows, auctions, and races. His knowledge of home repair and cars was frequently tapped by family and friends. He enjoyed long drives all over New York State. Few things brought him more satisfaction than a glassy finish on a hand-built table, or on a perfectly-shoveled driveway.

Mike was a dedicated Freemason for over four decades, and served Hamilton Lodge #120 as Master and Secretary. He contributed to the community of Hamilton through membership on several Village boards. Mike was active in the Episcopal Church throughout his life; in his youth, as a chorister and acolyte at Zion Church in Rome, NY; later, as a Vestry member of St. Thomas’, Hamilton.

Mike was a loving, helpful family member. He is remembered by many as a gregarious conversationalist and a faithful friend.

Mike is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Melanie; three children: Christian (Christopher Worthley) of South Portland, Maine; Alison of Wells, Maine; Justin (Melissa Conaway) of Forestport, NY; two grandchildren; his two younger brothers, James “Jim” (Elizabeth) of Clinton, NY; Douglas “Doug” (Samira) of Mystic, CT; six nieces and nephews; and many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Jeremiah “Jerry” (d. 1994) and Arlene (d. 2010); elder brother, Jerry F. Clough (d. 2009); and younger sister, Julia A. Clough (d. 2025).

Service of Christian Burial at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 12 Madison Street, Hamilton, NY, Saturday 25 October 2025 at 11:00 AM. His remains will be interred at a time convenient for the deceased.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 12½ Madison Street, Hamilton, NY 13346; or to the Hamilton Community Chest, P.O. Box 121, Hamilton, New York 13346-0121.

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