Michael E. Emerson, 63, of Nelson, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025 at home with his loving wife and friends by his side. He was born June 8, 1963 in Syracuse to R. Shain and Patricia E. Emerson. Mike was a graduate of Cazenovia High School, Class of '82 where he attended Madison Oneida BOCES and earned a certificate in Welding and Fabrication. He had been previously employed as a welder/fabricator at Pandrol Jackson for 8 years where he worked on train repair. Mike retired in December 2024 as a shop supervisor after 25 years at Material Handling Technologies. Mike was also a foreman with Last Chance Construction and the owner of Emerson Welding. He served on the Town of Nelson Planning Board for 10 years and was the President and caretaker of the Nelson Rural Cemetery. Mike followed in the family tradition of serving his community for over 45 years as a volunteer fireman with the Cazenovia Fire Department. He joined the fire department in March of 1980 at the age of 17 and was the first ever junior member of the department. Mike was a co-recipient of Madison County Firefighter of the Year in 1993 and a Madison County Fire Instructor. He served as the Department Chief from 2001 to 2003 and as the Owaghena Hose Company President for 20 years from 2005 to 2025. He was one of many generations of the Emerson family to serve as the Chief of the Cazenovia Fire Department which included his grandfather, Orville Clark; father, brother, himself, and his nephew. For which he was immensely proud of the family's history. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, playing pushball and traveling; especially to Ireland. Mike loved animals, was a supporter and organizer with Wanderers' Rest Humane Association and raised three Black Labs, Zeek, Diablo and Charlie. He also enjoyed bowling with his team, Albert's Team 1, in the Monday Night bowling league, watching NASCAR, college football most especially Ohio State and was an avid fan of the NY Yankees Mike helped many people through their problems, often meeting them in his garage to listen and offer guidance. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and steady presence in the lives of others. Mike was very kind hearted and community minded. He didn't just fill a room; he filled the world with his zest for life. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Ann M. Emerson; two nephews, Shain C. (Ashley) Emerson of Nelson and Jeffrey (Emily) Emerson of Whitesboro; two great nephews, Adam and Harvey Emerson; one great niece, Harper Emerson; his sister-in-law, Debi (Dan) Phinney of Erieville, uncle, Dave Smith of Syracuse and by many cousins, friends and fellow firemen. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, William J. Emerson; aunts and uncles, Marilyn Smith, Sharon and Wally LaJoy, Artie and Don Clark; his in-laws, John D. and Ellen M. Spurrier. The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Strong Memorial Hospital's Organ Transplant and Palliative Care units along with the staff at Hospice & Palliative Care for the attentive and compassionate care given to Mike in his final days. Private graveside services will be held in Nelson Rural Cemetery. A Celebration of Mike's life will be held in the Spring of 2026, details to be announced. Contributions in Michael's memory may be made to Wanderers' Rest, P.O. Box 535, 7138 Sutherland Drive, Canastota, NY 13032 or online at wanderersrest.org. Condolences for the Emerson family may be left at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.