Michael C. Schoff

Michael C. Schoff, 74, of Route 26 passed away on Friday, July 24, at Wynn Hospital in Utica, with his wife Dorothy, and family by his side.

Born on July 11, 1952, in Rome, Mike was the son of Herman A. Schoff and Madeline H. (Denslow) Schoff. He grew up on the Schoff family homestead farm on Fish Creek Road near West Leyden. He attended West Leyden Central School and graduated from Adirondack High School in Boonville with the Class of 1971.

Following graduation, Mike continued his education before entering military service. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from October 10, 1972 until his honorable discharge on October 2, 1975, attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class (SP4). During the Vietnam War Era, he served both stateside and in Stuttgart, Germany, as a helicopter medic. His military honors included the Good Conduct Medal, Expert Hand Grenade Badge, and Sharpshooter Badge.

For several years, Mike operated Schoff Brothers Construction Company in West Leyden alongside his brothers, Ed and Mark. He later worked for 19 years as a machinist at Bartell’s Machine Shop in Rome. His final Career Position, which he greatly enjoyed, was in building maintenance and repair at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona. He was a member of St. Mary’s Nativity Church, West Leyden, the West Leyden Fire Dept., and a member of Lee Legion Veterans Post #1794, of Lee Center.

Throughout his life, Mike had a passion for building and working with his hands. Whether constructing a pole barn, remodeling his home, or tackling a project for family or friends, he took great pride in creating and improving things. Even in retirement, Mike found great joy in helping his children with home improvement projects. He generously shared his knowledge and skills, teaching them valuable lessons in construction, repair and self-reliance. Whether offering advice, lending a hand, or leading the project himself. He was always there when needed. Mike will also be remembered for his infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor. He had a special away of bringing laughter to those around him and could turn almost any situation into a joke or a clever pun. His quick wit, playful personality, and ability to make others smile were some of the many qualities that made him so special.

On November 14, 1981, Mike married Dorothy L. Gross at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rome. Together they shared 44 years of love, friendship, and devotion. As husband and wife, they were truly best friends, building a life centered on family and making memories together. They especially enjoyed traveling, camping, and simply enjoying life’s everyday moments side by side.

In addition to his beloved wife, Dorothy, Mike is survived by his children: Russel Becker (Brenda) of Ava, Amy Schoff Marshall (Dan) of Oneida, Stacy Schoff-Sadlowski (Scott) of Ava, Brian Schoff (Kim), Oneida, and Shannon Schoff Cushman (Chuck), Ava; his ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of which were a true source of happiness and pride for Mike, and he cherished every moment he spent with them; and his siblings, Audrey Ringrose of Rochester, Ed (Patty) Schoff of Rome, and Mark (Dawn)Schoff of Ava; Deborah (Richard) Wagner of Lee Center. In addition to his parents, Herman and Madeline, Mike was predeceased by his brother Daniel, in 2018.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 31st from 3:00-7:00 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler Street, Boonville,

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Daniel Chapin and Rev. Deacon James Chaufty at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday August 1, 2026, at St. Mary’s Nativity Church in West Leyden. Following the Mass, a Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at Freddie’s Diner in Boonville, where family and friends are invited to gather and share memories of Mike. Interment will take place privately at the convenience of his family at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Prussian Settlement Cemetery, West Leyden.