Obituary
Michael Mongin 74 , passed away suddenly on Friday, March 2. Born in Niagara Falls, Mike’s family moved to the Bronx, NY where his father was employed as an Immigration and Naturalization officer. Raised in NYC, Mike attended St. Nicholas Of Tolentine High School until his father’s retirement at which time Mike’s family moved to Johnstown where he graduated high school. He then returned to the Bronx to attend Manhattan College, graduating in 1965. He began his 37 year career in education at Perth Central School, teaching Science and Health before becoming Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. In February 1970 he moved to Fonda-Fultonville Central School as Athletic Director and Football Coach. During this time he worked as part time Recreation Director for Tryon School for boys. In February 1979, Mike became the Principal of Fonda-Fultonville High School, serving in that position until his retirement in 2002. In addition to his professional career in education, Mike was involved in several organizations and civic endeavors. He served on the Fulton County Board of Supervisors (1974-1980) and was Chairman of the Board in 1976. He was Republican City Chairman for 2 years and was appointed to a 9 year term as Trustee of Fulton Montgomery Community College. He served as Chairman of the College Board in 1986. Mike was elected to a three year term on the Johnstown Board of Education (1997-2000). He was a director on the Johnstown Hospital and Johnstown Hospital Foundation Boards. He was the Fulton County OTB director for 10 years (1998-2008). Other affiliations include Section 2 Athletic Council Executive Committee, the NYS Public High School Athletic Association, Capital Region Principals Center, Gloversville YMCA board of directors, Middle States visiting committee, Knights of Columbus, the Eagles, the Moose, Sons of the American Legion, Sons of the AM Vets and is a Charter Member of the Republican National Committee. Mike is survived by his wife of 49 years Elaine, daughter Samantha and her fiancé Tom Neri of Saratoga, son Michael and wife Jodi of Orlando, FL and 4 grandchildren, Cassidy, Jake, Matthew and Charlotte. There will be no viewing hours. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice. Mike was a unique man, whose natural authority, warmth, humor and intelligence was appreciated by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.
I heard of Mike's passing soon after it happened and I am deeply touched whenever it comes to mind, and it does each day. You all have suffered a great loss but I know God will give you the strength to overcome it. As you know Mike and I go way back to the Tolentine days in The Bronx. The stories that we could tell, and have told endlessly I suppose, still make me laugh when I think of them. Mike was always a great instigator of good times and laughter. We enjoyed our youthful foolishness when it existed and we enjoyed sharing the joys and difficulties that we experienced as we grew older.Mike never failed to mention how proud he was of each of you, and how lucky he felt to have such a wonderful wife and family. I enjoyed my many visits to Johnstown and the get togethers that Mike and i had over the years.
I read the beautiful tribute that you guys had for Mike in the obit, and I read each tribute that your many friends have written on this website. They capture perfectly the great friend that I knew, and they go on to list so many accomplishments and acts of generosity that make me happy and proud to be a friend of Mike's.
I wish you the strenghth of God's blessings for the years to come and the happiness of your memories. Our best wishes for the future to you and your extended families. Brian and Joan Boyle
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the Mongin Family. I will never forget all the good times we spent especially the days with The Glove City Colonials. Rest in piece my dear friend!
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Mongin. Mr. Mongin was my high school principal and one of very few people whom I felt truly believed in me as a student. He never hesitated to stand up for me and judged me on my character, commitment, kindness, and work ethic. I know for a fact that this did not sit well with some of the teachers he led during my time at FFCS. Unfortunately, I was not what would be described as academically strong. In reflecting on my time at FFCS I can say that Mr. Mongin taught me that teenage opinions have value, and that trusting a teenager is okay until they break that trust. I worked for him during my junior and senior years filling the soda machine, doing inventory, and counting money. He trusted me to drive his car to the bank to make deposits,and unbeknownst to him, I learned to drive a stick shift in his car. I know that allowing students to do those things today, are things of the past. With that said, I am truly thankful for the time, compassion, trust, and caring Mr. Mongin showed me as his student. His caring for me did not end after I graduated high school. He recommended me for my first “real job” at Mitchell Paper in Fonda, and wrote many letters of recommendation for me when I was seeking further employment or entrance into educational institutions.Today I am the current High School Principal in Gloversville NY. I hope he knew what an impact he had on my life, and I also pray that I have the same impact on at least one of my students that Mr. Mongin had on me. I will be forever thankful to Mr. Mongin for the life lessons I learned from him.
May God Bless you and bring you peace during this time.
Manhattan and I went to Fordham and we would travel together . I don" even remember the things we discussed, bu I always felt at ease with him.I know that he was a very kind and good person. We have all experienced so much good and pain in our lives. Please know that knowing Mike was one of the good experiences in my life and also in the life of many many others. Bill Vacek
Barbara and I are sorry to hear about Mike's passing and we want you to know that our prayers are with you. We miss seeing both of you as neighbors and having chats over the tree line. May you be consoled and strengthened by God's grace and by the presence of your family and friends.
P.S. I continue to keep the snow off your sidewalk!
Earl Johnson
Thanks, Mike; RIP.
Shoopie
Betsy Olds Turner
We send you our sincere sympathy. We remember all of the fun times we had in the past years with you and Mike. He was a special person. God bless you and your family and we wish you the best in these tough times.
Jeanine and Pete Precopio.
No words can describe the sadness we feel from losing our good friend. Mike always had a beautiful smile and could lift anyones spirits. He was there for anyone who needed him. He will surely have a few laughs with God and all his buds that have gone before him. RIP Mike!
Whenever we were together, we always smiled and laughed. Even when we discussed serious matters. We will miss that great smile and ability to care for others.
Our hearts go out to you and your family. There are many of us feeling the loss of such a large personality.
Mike was a role model for us younger teachers back in the day! Even though he became an administrator, he never forgot what it was like to be in the classroom! He was a man that never spoke negatively about anybody but always encouraged you to strive your best and if you lost you still walk tall with their heads up of the field! Finally, a man that cared deeply about our community!
To Mike: It has been an honor and a privilege to have called you a friend! May you Rest In Peace and thanks for the memories!