Joseph Michael Naresky

ROME, NY ~ Joseph Michael “Mike” Naresky, 67, formerly of W. Bloomfield St., Rome, passed peacefully into the hands of our Lord, on Friday, February 24, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Utica.

Born July 26, 1955 in Rome, NY, a son of Joseph J. and Jean E. (Durland) Naresky, he was a 1973 graduate of RFA. He later graduated from SUNY Geneseo in Geneseo, NY in 1977 with a degree in Communications Engineering.

Following college, Mike’s early broadcasting career began in the mid-70’s at WLFH radio in Little Falls NY, after which he moved on to WKAL AM-FM radio in Rome, NY where he was a nighttime AM radio personality & operated the FM station. He was deeply involved in putting WFXV Fox 33 TV on the air in the late 80’s where he was responsible for all on-air operations. During this time, he also worked part-time as a radio personality at WKGW/WRUN Radio in Oriskany, NY.   In 1994 he began his beloved 27-year career as a Broadcast Engineer for WKTV in Utica, NY.  He was responsible for all programming that appeared on the air and was well-respected for his broadcasting expertise by his co-workers.  During the 90’s, he was also responsible for WKAL-AM/FM Radio’s return to the airwaves and enjoyed his AM morning “gigs” (as he referred to them) as he assisted in bringing members of the community from all walks of life on the air for radio interviews.   It was with great regret that Mike was forced to retire from radio & TV due to his disability in 2022.

Mike was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local Union #294.

His favorite pastimes, hobbies and interests included collecting a vast array of antique radios and audio equipment, listening to his extensive music collection which included vinyl, tape, CD’s & digital media.  He enjoyed operating his HAM radio and listening to short-wave radio in his spare time.  He was quite the audiophile and his knowledge and amazing recall of anything related to TV or music throughout the years was legendary.   Every year he looked forward to attending the Syracuse Jazz Festival. He loved spending time with his family and friends and in younger years treasured traveling to the New Jersey shore for vacations. He was always your resource if you had a question regarding anything related to electronics and he loved those discussions.  He will always be remembered for his uproarious laugh and pure enjoyment in conversation with anyone he was visiting with.  Those who came into contact with “Mike” always commented what a nice guy he was, always thinking of others before himself. 

Surviving are his three siblings, John S. Naresky, of Syracuse, NY, Laura J. (Dr. Douglas) Tardugno, of Rome, and Steven G. (Susan) Naresky, of Westernville, NY; his niece and twin nephews, Samantha N. Tardugno, and Adam and Nathan Naresky, and numerous cousins. He is also survived by his very good friend, Don Davidson, of Oneida.  He was predeceased by both of his parents.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the numerous doctors and staff of the ICU, Intermediate Care & Med-Surgery Units of St. Luke’s Hospital - MVHS Campus for the abundant care and compassion extended to Mike during the final months of his life.   They would also like to thank Dr. Brian Chase & the caring nursing and support staff at St. Luke’s Home, Clark Wing North, who took exemplary care of Mike during his stay at their facility.  A special thank you also, to Dr’s Emile & Anwar Wassel and Nurse Michelle Hanson of American Renal Associates, Rome, NY.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours on Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, 418 N. George St., Rome.

Mike’s funeral service will also be held on Thursday, March 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. (immediately following his calling hours), with the Rev. Robert Wollaber, officiating.

Burial in Rome Cemetery will be held later in the spring.

Memorial donations may be considered to American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Unit 300, North Bethesda, MD 20852 (online at secure.kidneyfund.org) or to the MVHS Foundation 1676 Sunset Avenue New Hartford, NY, 13502, (online at mvhealthsystem.org).

Arrangements are with Scanlon Funeral Home, Croghan, NY

Messages of sympathy and online obituary at www.scanlonfuneral.com.

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