GRANVILLE and HUDSON FALLS—Michael Lee Plude, who lived in Hudson Falls for most of his life before moving to Granville, died unexpectedly and entered into the arms of the Lord on Thursday, February 8, 2018, five days before his birthday. He was 51.
Mike was born February 13, 1966, the son of Donald J. and Beatrice L. (Bechard) Plude. He was born with Down syndrome and a permanently dislocated hip that left him unable to walk, but that never affected his zest for life. He had a remarkable effect on all who knew and loved him.
He especially enjoyed parades and marching bands, and in his younger years could often be seen with his parents outside their Winnebago cheering on the marchers. He loved music, especially old country songs and ballads, and would pump his better leg to the music and sing along with his own lyrics, right in tune. In his later years he liked to go to Rick and Carol’s in Fort Ann and dance in his wheelchair.
He also loved long rides in any vehicle. And he liked the water, and if you held your hand under his chest he would kick his legs like he never could in his wheelchair and almost seemed to swim.
In his later years Mike enjoyed going out for pizza with his brother Jeff and sister-in-law Karen and afterward riding around and singing along to Willie Nelson and Hank Williams songs. He also took a big trip to New York City in 2005, accompanied by Nicole Stevens, a former manager of his group home, to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Mike lived at home in Hudson Falls for most of his life with his parents, and after his father died in 1983, with his mother. He would sit in front of the house at 33 LaBarge Street with his mother and wave to all the passers-by. She lovingly cared for him until 2003, when he moved to a group home in Granville, where he made a whole new group of friends. He attended a day program nearby at CWI Eastpointe.
Mike’s mother died in 2014, and his half brother, Ronald L. Plude, died in 2016.
Left to cherish Mike’s memory are his brother and sister-in-law, Jeffrey and Karen Plude of Bethlehem; his two half nephews, Scott (Pasquela) Plude and Matthew (Sonia) Plude, both of California; a special cousin, Denis Plude of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and caregivers.
There will be no calling hours. Private graveside services and burial will be held in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward.
Donations may be made in Mike’s memory to the National Down Syndrome Society, 8 East 41st Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10017, or at www.ndss.org.
Jeff and Karen- My love and prayers to you both during this most difficult time. I have many fond memories of Mikey from younger days and visits to your family home in Hudson Falls. I can still hear him, in his excitement, calling Karen’s name when we arrived and knowing who I was…just simply “sister”. His smile and his laugh were sweet and infectious. I can just see him in Heaven with the biggest smile ever while dancing on those streets of gold!!! He just beat us there!!! Lots of love!!!
Rest In Peace Mikey! It was a pleasure getting to know you and working with you at Eastpointe! You always had a smile that would light up a room, a smile that was contagious. You will be missed by so many. 😘💛
Dear Jeff, Karen and family,
We are so sad to hear of Mike’s passing, Fond memories of Mikey with your parents, and all the parades & events he attended. His infectious smile , great spirit and Big wave were amazing! May he rest in peace now with your parents, The Taylor Family
We have so many fond memories of Mike as we lived right across the street from him for 29 years. We spent a lot of time going over and visiting with him and Bea. He was always so excited to see us come over and he had a way of brightening our day a little more when we visited with him. He used to love it when Gina and I were visiting him and Mario would come home from work in his uniform, Mike would call his name and say March, then Mario would push his wheelchair and march with him. He loved it, he had the biggest smile on his face, it always brought him so much joy!!! We have so many memories of you, our friend!! I can envision you running free and being so happy to be out of the wheelchair at last. With love, the Cristaldi’s and Palmer’s! ❤
Jeff, he will always be remembered. We send heart felt condolences to you and your family.
We have so many fond memories of Mike as we lived right across the street from him for 29 years. We spent a lot of time going over and visiting with him and Bea. He was always so excited to see us come over and he had a way of brightening our day a little more when we visited with him. He used to love it when Gina and I were visiting him and Mario would come home from work in his uniform, Mike would call his name and say March, then Mario would push his wheelchair and march with him. He loved it, he had the biggest smile on his face, it always brought him so much joy!!! We have so many memories of you, our friend!! I can envision you running free and being so happy to be out of the wheelchair at last. With love, the Cristaldi’s and Palmer’s! ❤
Jeff and Karen,
My deepest sympathy goes to you and your wife. Mikey was a great man. He taught me a lot in my life. I will always remember our special bond and the trip to NYC. Words can not express my emotions for losing such a great man.
Much love to your family.
Nicole Stevens
Mikey, you will truly be missed. You were always a ray of sunshine and heaven will be much brighter with your presence. I know my sister liked you and will miss you.
Mikey, you were one of a kind and could always brighten my day! I always enjoyed the times we sat around the kitchen table telling stories and you’d give us a big raspberry when you didn’t like our story. Rest in peace! Jeff and Karen our condolences and deepest sympathy go out to you, with love from the Irish Family.
mikeys old school bus driver from labarge st. one of my favorite riders. have thought of him many times over the years. my sympathy to all his family and all who had interactions with him over the years
Jeff & Karen, my deepest sympathy, I’m very sorry for your loss. Mike was very special, always a smile, a very fun loving person.
Jeff & Karen, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Mike was always fun loving and had a big smile. Please accept my condolences.
I am sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. I hope the family will find some comfort and strength in Jesus promise of the earthly resurrection(Acts 24:15)and the renewed Paradise earth, where death will be no more and no family will mourn the death of a loved one.-Revelation 21:3,4;John 5:28,29;Luke 23:43. may GOD(Psalms 83:18)grant you peace and comfort now, during this grievous time.-Matthew 5:4.