Michael Shay Baton, loving brother and friend

PORTVILLE — Michael S. Baton, of Portville Eldred Road, passed away Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025.

Mike was born March 29, 1957, in Hempstead, and was the son of Leonard Robert and Edna Louise French Baton.

Mike lived on his family farmhouse in Towanda, Pa., while his father was deployed and where he and his siblings would mow lawns and play in the woods.

His brother Philip taught him about stars and astronomy in 1968, which he loved and continued studying until recently. He loved to teach others about astronomy.

In 1969 the family moved to Orlando, Fla., later moving to Coral Springs in South Florida in 1972.

Mike served in the U.S. Army from 1975 to 1977. He then moved to New York in 1977.

Mike loved to be in the woods and working with Bill. He loved music and teaching others about music, he could play most stringed instruments, the drums and a few others. Mike enjoyed fishing, go carts, stock cars and fireworks.

Mike is survived by a brother, Philip (Anne) Baton; lifelong friends of 28 years/caretakers, Jennifer Jordan and William Pearsall, whom he was super grateful for and their family; and his kitties, Jive and Tsunami.

Mike was predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Doris Colleen Kerskey.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 2944 Route 16, Olean, NY 14760.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.