Obituary of Michael T. Kinsella

Michael T. Kinsella June 4, 2011 Michael T. Kinsella, Former Chief of Staff for Senator D'Amato and Congressman Hanley. Michael Thomas Kinsella, 69, passed away on June 4, 2011. Michael was a purveyor of the finest things in life and was known globally for the love of his family and the many friends he made over the years. He graduated from Solvay High School in 1959 where he was the salutatorian, President of the Class, President of the Latin Club, and a member of the National Honor Society. Mike attended LeMoyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., until 1963. After brief stints as a security guard and postal employee, he started a 43 year career as a public servant. Mike, known for his sense of humor, coined many famous Washington, D.C. phrases. One notable is, "I will be glad to discuss this with you over breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Preferably, all of the above." Mike had very basic passions in life; his family, to whom he was most loyal and generous; his friends, to whom he remained loyal in thick or thin; his Irish Catholic lineage; and politics. He enjoyed reading, listening to Irish music, and discussing history. He often interacted with the most powerful people in the country. Presidents, Vice-presidents, Governors, Senators, Congressmen, and Judges all knew and respected Michael. Michael served as the Staff Director for Congressman James M. Hanley for 15 years. He was Chief of Staff to Senator Alfonse D'Amato of New York for over 16 years. During his tenure with the Senate, Mr. Kinsella was active in a wide range of issues of interest to New York State and the nation. He was instrumental in passing several national laws and amendments. He developed expertise in financial services, appropriations, housing, and matters affecting the industrial sectors of the economy, including the manufacturing and technology sectors. In 1997 Mike retired from the United States Senate and became a partner in the McPherson Group, LLP. He later joined AmeriAlert, LLC as Vice President and Business Counsel. He was also active in of the Knights of Columbus, Capital Hill Cigar Club, U.S. House of Representatives Administration Assistants Organization, in which he received the 2008 Chief of Staff of the Year Award. He was in the National Sons of Italy Foundation, the Friendly Sons of Ireland, the Saint Stephen's Society and many other professional and trade organizations. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles Joseph and Mary Rose Kinsella, brothers Joseph Kinsella and Charles Kinsella Jr. Survivors: his sisters, Mother Superior Rose Marie (Mobile AL.) Mary Margaret Carroll (Portland, OR.), Eileen Kinsella Collins (Syracuse, NY), Karen Theresa Birzell (Seattle, WA.), Elizabeth Mary Harris (Liverpool, NY); his brothers, Thomas Griffin (Chicago, Il.), Martin (Brewerton, NY) and John Kevin (Marcellus NY). He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, in-laws, cousins, and good friends. Services: Calling hours will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2011 at the Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY, 13204, www.tindallfuneralhome.com. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2011 at St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church on 1001 Woods Road, Solvay, NY 13209. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery Mausoleum, DeWitt, NY. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church on Capital Hill, 313 2nd St., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Visitation Monastery, 2300 Springhill Ave., Mobile, AL 36607.