Michael J. Mishra

Michael J. Mishra, my beautiful, brilliant son, of Medina NY, died on March 24, 2022 at the age of 33, from depression and a broken heart. He was born December 9, 1988 in Rutland, VT to Jacqueline (Douglas) Wehling Mishra Wall and Saroj Mishra. Michael’s father was not a part of Michael’s life after the age of 3 and his father died in 2000. 

Michael had been living with me here in Medina since Nov. 2021.He moved here, temporarily, from Kingston, NY to get his feet back under him and get back to his 4 year old son Hugo Felix Mishra as soon as possible. Hugo lives in Kingston with his mother Johanna Thompson Mishra. Hugo was Michael’s everything and not being able to see him during his time here became too much. His loneliness blinded him to better days ahead.

Michael is survived by his son, Hugo; me... “Jack”, mom, Jacqueline (Douglas) Wall; his equally brilliant and big hearted sister, Vinita (Richard) Mosher; his uncles, William (Robin) Wehling, and Michael “Big Mike” Wehling, another beautiful soul; cousins, Marcy (Kasey Fouquet) Wehling, Will (Liz) Wehling, Erik Wehling and Alan (Amy) Ward. He loved them all dearly. None of us will ever be the same.

Michael graduated from Medina High School in 2007 as a member of the National Honor Society. After high school he got his Bachelor’s in Philosophy from SUNY Potsdam, where he was President of the SUNY Potsdam Philosophy Forum 2011-2012. He was also a teaching assistant while at Potsdam.

When Hugo was born, Michael took a break from working outside the house for 3 years to be a stay at home Dad, and Johanna worked outside of the home. Hugo is brilliant and wise beyond his years, just like his father. Michael was a wonderful Dad. My heart is shattered that Hugo won’t have a lifetime with his Dada. The most tragic loss of all.

When Michael was in middle school he was not one of the “cool” kids. He lacked confidence, was shy, and had few friends. He was going into a shell and it was hard to see. THEN…MUSIC!!! BAND!!!…and one of the dearest people ever to Michael, Mr. Scott Ballard. I will never be able to thank him enough for all he did for, and meant to, my son. You changed his life. He blossomed. You were a wonderful wing for him to be under. 

To all of his friends, he loved you all. If you knew Michael and would like to share any memories/pics please reach out to me on Facebook. Feel free.

Michael was going through a divorce, and custody/visitation issues. His tender, broken heart couldn’t handle the pain and it convinced his brilliant brain that the two people he loved most in this universe were gone from him forever. Please, reach out. Please. National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255.

A small celebration of Michael’s life will be held at a later date. The family will also be establishing a scholarship in Michael’s name to be given to a graduating member of the Mustang Band. And please consider donating in Michael’s memory to ANY cause that spreads love and kindness. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. 

A few recent writings of Michael’s...

“What we are always witnessing is the entirety of the Universe from one particular perspective. Our lack of knowledge about the Universe arises from the obscurations in our perspective, due to it’s particularity.  As the Universe changes in orderly fashion.”

“While we wonder

What lies under

Above and all around

I still maintain

Through all this pain

That Love is our ground.”  

“In Heaven bright I’ll rest beneath your trees

And never would we think to fight or go.

In Hell tonight I see the Autumn leaves

And hope that I’ll be buried in the snow”