Michael P. Versace, 51, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Michael suffered a great deal during his illness, but he never lost his wonderful sense of humor or his deep faith in God. His attitude throughout his illness was an inspiration to all. He was born on October 2, 1957 in Poughkeepsie, NY where he chose to spend his life. Michael was an avid NY Jets fan and he loved the outdoors. He loved hiking, golfing and fishing. He was a true friend to many and loved to make people laugh. Michael had the ability to put a smile on anyone's face no matter how cranky they might be feeling. Michael was a graduate of Dutchess Community College and worked for over 35 years in tool maintenance and purchasing, starting with IBM and most recently working for NXP Semiconductors in Fishkill, NY. Michael is survived by his wife and longtime love Carol and their three dogs that he adored. He is also survived by his parents Joseph and Rosemarie Versace of Raleigh, NC, his sister Kathy and husband Ken Vergili of San Diego, Ca., brother Craig and wife Abby, brother Matthew and wife Leslie and sister Linda Versace, all of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 15 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Timothy Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, September 16 at 10:00 AM at Saint John's Evangelical Church on Wilbur Blvd. Burial will follow at St. Peters Cemetery in Poughkeepsie. Special thanks goes out to Dr. Paul Donovan and his staff, the entire staff at St. Benedictine Hospital in Kingston and the Lutheran Care Center in Poughkeepsie. The tender, loving, care and compassion shown to Michael by these professionals was over and above and made his last couple of months so much easier to bear. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a cancer research charity of your choice or to your favorite animal shelter.