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Michael L. Zabrodsky, 61, of Jamestown, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at UPMC Hamot, Erie, PA surrounded by his family.
He was born June 11, 1965, in Jamestown, New York, a son of the late John and Nancy Zabrodsky.
A 1983 graduate of Jamestown High School, Michael also earned a B.S. from the State University of New York at Fredonia and an M.A. from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
He was confirmed at St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church in Sheffield, PA.
Michael had a wonderful gift for writing and storytelling. For many years, he used his talent to weave the fabric and tell many stories about the greater community while at the Jamestown Post-Journal. In 2018, he received the New York State Associated Press award for the best Arts and Entertainment feature column for "It's About Compromise" spotlighting the Gin Blossoms Chautauqua Institution performance. Michael's work was wide-ranging as he interviewed global entertainers such as Paul McCartney, homegrown icons 10,000 Maniacs, comic Lewis Black as well as the huge number of talented local musical and theatrical performers and productions. He was a journalist always striving to improve his craft.
Michael was also musically talented as an accomplished bassist and drummer. His musical collection was vast and varied as he cherished a variety of styles and artists. In earlier years he competed in both track and field and baseball. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Uncle Mike was dearly beloved by his family. He had the occasion and joy of watching and participating in his three nieces' lives, from school to band to athletics to family gatherings. And he was elated at the birth of his grand-nephew last year.
He shared his mother's broad smile and tremendous sense of humor and was always there to nurture and support his greater family. Mike's vibrant spirit will be sincerely missed, and he will be constantly remembered warmly and affectionately.
He is survived by brother, John (Kristy) Zabrodsky and sister, Julie (Bryan) McCoy, both of Jamestown; three nieces, Abigail (Ken) Gilbert of Buffalo, Olivia (fiance Ryan Gusley) Zabrodsky of Portland, OR, Courtney McCoy of Jamestown, grand-nephew, Bennett Gilbert, cousins, Lydia (Chris) Martin of Quincy, Mass., Tatiana (Alan) Patten of Niantic, Conn., Maria Johnson of American Fork, Utah, Nina (Brian) Wible of West Chester, Pa., James Reilley of Nashville, Tenn., Dean Toscano of Brentwood, Tenn., Vincent Toscano of Brentwood, Tenn., Toni Lynn Migliore of Sandwich, Mass., Rick Toscano of New York City, and cousins, Luke and Adam Wible. Also surviving is an Uncle, Vincent (Esther) Toscano of Las Vegas, Nev.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his cousins, Alexander Zabrodsky and Andrew Zabrodsky.
The funeral will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the James Prendergast Library Association, 509 Cherry Street, Jamestown, NY 14701; or Chautauqua Striders, 301 E. Second Street, Jamestown, NY 14701.
Condolences for the family may be left at www.lindfuneralhome.com.