Michael G. Cianfarano

Born in Oswego, he was the son of the late Michael and Mary (Michalski) Cianfarano.

Michael graduated from St. Mary’s School and Bishop Cunningham Catholic High School.  He worked at Brenneman Hartshorn for a year, enrolled at OCC, and then graduated from SUNY Oswego.  He was accepted into Cooley Law School in Lansing, MI, and worked for the Michigan Law Review for some time after graduating.  After returning to Oswego, he worked as the part-time City Attorney and the part-time District Attorney before starting his private practice.  He loved going to the River’s End Book Store for lunch and reading the NY Times after court each day.  Anyone who knew Mike knew he loved to eat- especially at his favorite places, Pizza Villa and the Olive Garden.  He always spoke dearly of growing up on Schuyler Street and of his neighbor friends.  Mike also enjoyed collecting comic books, playing the piano, and watching monster movies.  Most of all, Mike cherished his family and his cats.

His final days were spent at the Sunnyside Nursing Home in E. Syracuse, where he had many good friends and great staff who took wonderful care of him, for which the family is forever grateful.

Michael is survived by his wife Cynthia (Townsend) Gersch-Cianfarano, in-laws John Townsend and Roberta Gribas, sisters Anne (George) Schaefer and Mary Lou (Jerry) Kritzman, niece Jennifer Swieck (Ray Beverley) (Joseph Lavancher and Andie Swieck) and nephew Brian Kritzman, Step-son John (Shayna) Gersch and Matthew (Kathy) Gersch, grandchildren Marcus, Madisyn, Brayden, Kylan and Graysen. As well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents he was predecased by a nephew Griffin Hart.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 3-7 at Nelson Funeral Home, 11 W. Albany Street.  A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish and Shrine Church.  Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael’s name to the Oswego County Animal Shelter  and St. Mary Parish and Shrine. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home