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Obituary: Michael A. Webster, 26, Harrisville
Published: July 27, 2025
By: Provided by Scanlon Funeral Home
Michael Alexander
Webster
Harrisville and Hammond NY- Michael
Alexander Webster, 26, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 24th, 2025 at his home after struggling with illness for many
years.
Michael was born
in Syracuse NY on November 8th, 1998, as the son of Brandy
Baillargeon. From birth, Michael struggled with many challenges;
despite being diagnosed with Prader Willi Syndrome he surpassed many
expectations, beating the odds against him. Luckily with the help of
his mother, family and friends within the community he thrived through
adversity and grew to be an incredible man. As a military child in
his younger years, he attended several different schools across the country,
although he always considered his time at Carthage Central and Harrisville
Central school very memorable. He attended Carthage 2012-2013 where
he enjoyed singing in choir and helping to manage equipment for the
football team. He took great pride in all that he could do with his
friends, especially when it came to being part of the team. He never
missed a practice or a game, and he would often say the players said he had
the “best water they ever tasted”. He graduated from Harrisville
Central High School in 2017, where he participated in the hospitality
program/greenhouse program with an internship with Dry Hill Ski area in
Watertown and often met the requirements for honor roll. After
graduation Michael, despite his struggles with declining health, would
volunteer at the Jefferson County SPCA where he enjoyed comforting and
caring for the animals.
Michael had a
love for life, he enjoyed fishing, camping, being with his horses and his
dog, watching movies, reading, listening to music and outings with
family. He attended many different concerts over the years and was
able to meet several celebrities giving him memories to
last his lifetime. Hockey and bowling were
two of his passions. He would attend hockey games with his mother
often to Toronto and Ottawa, to watch his favorite Toronto team, they
“always played better when he was there”. Within the last year he had also joined a local bowling group weekly in
Watertown, where he made many new friends and was able to enjoy the sport
and their company. Being part of this group made him feel special and
included, which was all he ever wanted. To be seen as Michael, not
someone with Prader Willi Syndrome or a disability. His concerts,
trips, comedy shows, hockey games, bowling and outings made him feel like
he was “just like everyone else”, despite any limitations. There were
very few times you would see Michael without a smile. He would always
greet you, compliment you and strike up conversation with anyone. To
Michael there was no such thing as a stranger.
While Michael was
not married, he planned to be and always wanted children of his own.
He spent several years in a relationship with his long-term girlfriend
Lacey Dodd. Although he did not have children of his own, he was an
incredibly proud Uncle to Willow and Indigo, who meant the world to
him. There is not only one thing that stands out about Michael, but
he was certainly the most loving, caring, friendly and happy person you
would ever meet. His personality shined through his smile, and his
laugh was contagious. In his short 26 years he came to be a special part of
many lives.
He is survived by
his mother Brandy Baillargeon; brothers, Samuel Webster and Gabriel Boucher;
Grandparents Karen and Ronald Baillargeon, along with his nieces, nephews,
many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that will all miss him dearly. He
was recently predeceased by his Uncle Parrish Baillargeon.
Michael’s funeral
services will be held on Thursday, July 31st, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at
Scanlon Funeral Home, 14187 State St., Harrisville, with the Rev. Donald J.
Manfred, Pastor of St. Francis Solanus Church in Harrisville, officiating.
Calling hours will be from 10:00 a.m. until the beginning of his service at
the funeral home.
Memories and
condolences at www.scanlonfuneral.com;
donations encouraged for Prader Willi Syndrome
Research and Jefferson County SPCA.
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