Linked statement

“Mike Glavey was a good man. He worked hard. He loved his family. We will miss him.”

“I am honoring Michael Glavey, who died in May at age 55. He was a longtime union carpenter in Buffalo and a devoted family man.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Michael Glavey, who tragically passed away on May 16, 2026, at the age of 55. September 16 would have been Mike's 56th birthday. Mike was born and raised in south Buffalo by Kathy and the late Jack Glavey and grew up alongside his twin sister, Maureen, and their siblings, Karen, Kathleen, and John. Their childhood was filled with endless days playing outside with friends, family, camping trips, and plenty of shenanigans. Mike's early years instilled in him the values that he carried forward throughout his life: a deep appreciation for friendship, family, and hard work. Much of what Mike learned came from watching his father, Jack, working as his apprentice and seeing firsthand the pride that comes from a job well done. The boy who built forts and rebuilt bikes on Britt Avenue grew up to be an expert craftsman who made carpentry his career, joining the Carpenters Union Local 276. For more than 25 years, Mike served as the carpenter foreman at the University at Buffalo, where he oversaw construction sites big and small, taking enormous pride in his work. Like any good carpenter, Mike lived by the creed: Measure twice, cut once. Mike ran point on just about every construction project in the Glavey family. His legacy lives on in the spaces he built for those he loved, leaving his mark in a very literal manner. He helped turn every vision his sisters, Karen, Kathleen, and Maureen, had into brick-and-mortar home-improvement projects. He argued with his brother, John, on how to properly hang drywall as they worked long hours together turning an old grocery store into a neighborhood restaurant. Most importantly, he was his mother's first phone call when something around his childhood home needed his trusted expertise. Wherever and whenever someone needed him, Mike was there. That same instinct to show up for others shaped the family he built with his wife Jennifer. They married in 1998 and together raised their children, Mikey and Allie. Mikey and Allie were his pride and joy. Mikey was his sidekick. Mike took him everywhere. He taught him, guided him, and found tremendous joy in every adventure they shared in Jack Glavey's classic blue convertible. Mike adored Allie. He was immensely proud of her accomplishments as a young architect, her world travels, and her willingness to take on new challenges. Mike was her biggest supporter and relished their debates over architecture versus carpentry. He was also the loving uncle to several nieces and nephews, each of whom will forever remember the infectious laugh and warm embrace of their beloved Uncle Mike. Mike Glavey embodied the very best of who we aspire to be. He was a man of character, a dependable friend, and an extraordinarily devoted father. To Mikey, Allie, Jennifer, Kathy, and the entire Glavey family, our community and our Nation mourn with you. May Michael Glavey rest in peace. Celebrating 25th Anniversary of Western New York Area Labor Federation”