Obituary of Michael F. Masciale

We announce, with broken hearts, the passing of Dr. Michael F. Masciale, well-respected local orthodontist, on April 15, 2024. His death was at home, as he wished, surrounded by his loved ones.

Michael was the son of Joseph and Marie (Rucci) Masciale of Baldwin, Long Island. He was educated at Chaminade High School (Mineola, LI), Georgetown University, Georgetown University Dental School, and Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis. While a student at

Georgetown Dental School, Michael was elected to the National Dental Honor Society Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) and the affiliate Chapter, the Dean Cogan Honor Society. He was also a member of the Dutchess County Dental Society, the Ninth District Dental Society, the American

Dental Association, and the American Association of Orthodontics.

In July of 1959, Michael married his college sweetheart, Barbara Schlaich, whom he met at a picnic on the Potomac. Barbara was the love of his life. They were married for almost 65 years. 

Shortly after Michael’s graduation from dental school, he joined the United States Army Dental Corps and proudly served his country for three years at Trois Fontaine Ammunition Depot in France. He attained the rank of Captain and became Commander of the Dental Clinic on post.

After his honorable discharge in 1963, Michael began a two-year residency program in Orthodontics at Indiana University School of Dentistry. Upon completion of the residency program, Michael moved his family to the Hudson Valley where he practiced orthodontics for almost forty years. He presided over the busy treatment room of his orthodontics office with expertise, song, stories, gentle teasing, and a warm greeting for every patient and parent. He was well respected by patients, parents, colleagues in the dental community, and friends for his sincerity, honesty, integrity, and loyalty, as well as his sense of humor and work ethic. He served as a role model for several patients who later joined the dental community as dentists, hygienists, and lab technicians.

Regardless of his achievements and experiences, Michael believed his legacy was the family of six daughters born within seven years to him and Barbara. He considered himself to be blessed to have lived long enough to witness his daughters become well-educated, have families of their own, and attain success in the careers and activities of their choice. In their youth, his children were convinced he knew everything and could do anything, including playing on any professional sports team. 

He had a passion for glitzy tinsel on the Christmas tree, landscaping, and teasing his children and wife mercilessly. He gleefully engaged in mischievous antics such as awakening his family in the wee hours of the morning by blaring the “William Tell Overture” or the “Flight of the Bumblebee” or Luciano Pavarotti singing “Nessun dorma” on the family record player. He reveled in providing homework answers that, only years later, were discovered to be ludicrous and witty. Michael had a cup of coffee in progress at all times (it was said that his blood type was espresso). Friends and family recall that, with Michael, even a simple gathering became an event to be treasured. Meals and cooking for friends and family provided opportunities to demonstrate his love. With his children he made and served green eggs and ham, apple pies, holiday fruitcake, and sumptuous Italian seafood feasts. With friends, he explored Chinese restaurants in New York City and relished Tuesday lunches at Aroma Osteria. Celebrating Thanksgiving with his family will be long remembered for the turkeys he grilled on the barbeque or deep fried on the patio using a system he rigged up himself. Michael and Barbara tailgated at West Point football games for 24 years, transporting candelabra, flowers, and accoutrements for elegant table settings as well as delicious foods to warm and nourish friends and family. In later years, when the family station wagon gave way to a sporty red Miata convertible, the tailgating downsized, but the spirit of fun and adventure prevailed.

His family treasured his sense of humor and his spirit of fun. Most importantly, his family cherished his deep, abiding love and his generosity – the source of which was Michaels strong love for and trust in God. He will be deeply missed.

Besides his parents, Michael was predeceased by a son-in-law, Gerald Mulligan. His survivors include his beloved wife, Barbara; six daughters and their spouses: Mary Ellen Masciale (Chuck Bonser) of New London, CT; Caroline (Peter) Knickerbocker of Washington, D.C.; Elizabeth Masciale-Walmer (Michael Walmer) of Washington Boro, PA; Barbara (Tim) Murray of Poughkeepsie, NY; Susan Masciale-Lynch (Sean Lynch) of Poughkeepsie, NY; and Andrea Masciale (Kevin Rise) of Pennington, NJ; fourteen grandchildren: Remy and Wyeth Bonser; Clare Mulligan and Emily Knickerbocker; Carly Walmer (Alan) Reiley, and Sofia and Maddalena Masciale-Walmer; Katie, Lauren and Owen Murray; Eamon and Finn Lynch; and Abigail and Adam Rise; two great grandchildren, Landry and Nash Reiley; his sister, Anne Bloedorn of Northbrook, IL; and nephews

Daniel Bloedorn of Northbrook, IL and Andrew Bloedorn of Hailey, ID. We are especially grateful to Hudson Valley Hospice, whose care and love were life-giving for Michael and his family.

With respect for Michaels wishes, the Mass to celebrate his life will be private. The family invites all to honor Michael’s life and memory by smiling broadly and letting your friends and family know how much you love them.

In lieu of flowers, the family is grateful for gifts made to Hudson Valley Hospice should friends and family so choose.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. If you would like to leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com