Michael D. Damsky, lifelong Utican, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2020, just two days shy of his 87th birthday. Born December 27, 1933 to the late Hyman and Pearl Damsky, Michael made it his life's mission to provide for his family and give back to the community. His towering presence was seen in the way he dedicated himself to sports, the Jewish community, and the hometown he loved. Michael split his professional time between insurance sales and community involvement. Michael started in the insurance industry in 1967 and remained active with his business for the next 52 years. His community was rewarded by the time he spent volunteering as a board member at St. Luke's Hospital, Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute, Utica College, the Sitrin Home, and the Jewish Community Center, just to name a few. Additionally, he served as a county legislator for 22 years, giving a tremendous amount of himself to Central New York. While working with Utica College, he co-founded the Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program (YSLPP) to help local minority students suffering from low graduation rates. The chosen students attended enrichment classes at Utica College, and upon graduation from high school, were guaranteed their college education. This program became so successful that similar programs throughout the country were modeled after it. The local scholarship is named in his honor. Michael was well known among the local sports community as a standout basketball player. From his days as Utica Free Academy's high scorer and MVP for the county all-star team in 1950, to his time attending Ohio State University and playing as a walk-on for the Buckeyes, basketball was a defining part of Michael's legacy. He spent time playing for the army and many years for the Utica MUNY league, followed by his days as a member of some of the best senior-league teams around, both regionally and nationally. After turning 55, Michael qualified for every National Senior Olympics, where he played until he was 83. In 2017, Michael was inducted into the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame. After college, Michael married his high school sweetheart Evy Wineburgh. They remained married for 65 years. Michael was very proud of his family. He leaves behind his wife and three children, Beth Damsky (Joanne Peskowitz), Wendy Sanders (Brian Sanders) and Scott Damsky (Wendy Damsky); and four grandchildren, Jacob Damsky, Lanika Sanders, Anna Damsky, and Gabriel Damsky. Michael also leaves behind his brother, Barry Damsky (Cynthia Damsky). Michael was predeceased by his other brother, Alan Damsky (Cornelia Damsky). The graveside funeral for Michael will be private and may be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/markcbentzfuneralservice on Tuesday at 2 pm due to COVID concerns. Virtual Shiva will be Zoomed at: https://nylife.zoom.us/j/92415570644?pwd=VUhDSjFRSzVMaDJCN3lBVzNpTFhndz09 on Tuesday from 4-7 pm. A celebration of Michael's life will be held at a later time. For condolences, please visit bentzfuneralhomes.com. Those who wish to remember Michael can also make gifts in his memory to the Michael D. Damsky Young Scholars Scholarship at the Office of Advancement, Utica College, 1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502. The link for Michael Damsky's Shiva Tuesday, December 29th 4-7PM https://nylife.zoom.us/j/92415570644?pwd=VUhDSjFRSzVMaDJCN3lBVzNpTFhndz09