Michael Maggart

PENN YAN, NY – Michael Reed Maggart (83) died peacefully on December 4, 2025, surrounded by his adoring family. He was born on March 13, 1942 in Waverly, NY, the son of Aune Ingrid (Saarimaa) and Ivan Elmer Maggart.

Michael graduated from Spencer-Van Etten High School in 1960, where he served as student body president and captain of the football, basketball, and baseball teams. He attended George Washington University, where he played Division I baseball and football. After Michael’s athletic career was foreshortened by injury, he transferred to SUNY Cortland and obtained a B.S. in physical education. He then earned an M.S in education at Ithaca College.

During the time that Michael was working as a teacher and coach at Penn Yan Academy, he met and married fellow educator Rosemarée “Bonnie” Palin of Media, PA. They settled in Penn Yan, NY to raise their four daughters. After coaching at The Rochester Institute of Technology, Hobart College, and Penn State University, Michael went on to enjoy a rewarding career as a professional baseball scout for the Houston Astros. This entailed traveling throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic region to evaluate and sign athletes to professional baseball contracts. The Houston Astros named him Scout of the Year in 2001, and following his retirement, he was inducted into the Mid-Atlantic Scouts Hall of Fame.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, his sister Sharon (John) Lewin, and his sister Jo (Timothy) Doane. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Bonnie Maggart, his daughter Kirsten Maggart (Robert Fraley), his daughter Dr. Allison (Maggart) Drewno (Scott Drewno), his daughter Lindsay Maggart (Jason Cranmer), and his daughter Courtney Maggart (Jay Klaitz). He is also survived by grandchildren Tristan Cranmer, Delilah Cranmer, James Fraley, Elise Klaitz, and Casey Klaitz; sisters-in-law Linda Palin and Michele Palin, as well as nieces and nephews.

Michael will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing his inquisitive mind, his infectious sense of humor, and his gentle heart.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Weldon Funeral Home, 102 East Main Street, Penn Yan, NY. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, December 13th at 1:30pm at Weldon Funeral Home. Those who may wish to honor Michael may make gifts in his name to The University of Rochester Medical Center to support researchers and clinicians who are seeking cures, providing world-class care, and educating the next generation (www.urmc.rochester.edu/give).