Obituary of Michael R. Aymar

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Michal Robert Aymar share the news of his peaceful passing on February 23, 2026. He took his last breaths in the loving company of his wife and daughters in his home that meant so much to him. Mike came into this world on March 22, 1949 as the only son of Julian and Ann Aymar. He spent his earliest years in Brooklyn, NY until as a teenager, his family relocated to the town of Merrick on Long Island. Mike was blessed with grandparents in Saugerties, NY whom he loved and respected. A country boy at heart, there he was able to spend several summers roaming the wilds of upstate NY, soaking up all of the experiences that helped to shape the man he would grow to be. To say that Mike was a bright young man would be an understatement. He grew up tinkering, engineering and experimenting, often confounding the family, teachers and friends who witnessed or were on the receiving end of his clever contraptions. The skills he developed as a child became the foundation for a career of fixing things. Mike grew to be a talented and capable mechanic, working in both the auto and marine industry before finally settling into a position working for the NYC Sanitation Department as a large equipment mechanic. In addition to earning a paycheck, Mike developed some of his most lasting friendships while on the job. They were his life-long friends Harry Ruther and Joe Brant. The most exceptional connection Mike made though, was with his wife of almost 56 years, Jo Ann. They met over the airwaves, when informal, social chatting on CB radios was the “in thing”. They talked for hours each night before finally meeting in person and once they did, there was no turning back. On April 2, 1970, after two years together, Mike and Jo Ann tied the knot. The couple purchased their first home in Freeport where they raised three daughters. After 30 years in their home, with their daughters having flown the coop, Mike and Jo Ann went searching for a new spot to settle down and found that special place in Masonville. It’s been over 20 years since Mike and Joann built their retirement home. They formed many friendships. As always, Mike always pitched in and helped his neighbors. He plowed their driveways, mowed their fields, fixed their equipment and shared his knowledge with them. Mike opened his door to everyone. His motto was “my home, your home.” He wanted everyone to be comfortable. Though not belonging officially to any organization, a neighbor invited Mike to the Masonville American legion. The members loved Mike and made him an honorary American Legion member. Not only did he help his neighbors but also helped strangers who ditched along the roads or needed a tow. Mike and JoAnn’s home was one family and friends came to enjoy. Their four grandchildren loved to fish in their pond, hunt for Easter Eggs, sleigh ride down their hills, pick apples, hunt for frogs, walk in their woods, climb trees, and loved watching the birds, deer, red foxes and other creatures run through their property. Mike loved his grandchildren and they loved him also. Mike is survived by his loving wife Jo Ann, his daughter Jennifer Morello, his son-in-law, Patrick Morello; his daughter Melissa Callari-Szerlip; his daughter Kelly Abuelsaad and his son-in-law Tamer Abuelsaad and finally but not least his beautiful and loving grandchildren Hayley Morello, Zakary Szerlip, Josiah Abuelsaad and Rebecca Abuelsaad. Each of his children and grandchildren carries forward a piece of his spirit in his service to others, his love of nature, his curiosity and engineering ingenuity, and his quick wit that keeps everyone on their toes. A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 11:00am-12:00pm at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney, NY 13838. A time of sharing will begin at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mike's name may be directed to Helios Care Hospice or Friends of Bassett Healthcare.