Robert Christiansen

Joseph Michael Bewsher Obituary

Watervliet - Joseph Michael Bewsher, 71, of Watervliet, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Samaritan Hospital on May 2nd at sunrise, following a brief illness. He was born at Samaritan on September 15th, 1950. 

Growing up as an adored only child to Joe and Mildred Bewsher, Michael always had his cousin Ann living close by; Ann was always more of a sister, however. They would spend summers together at Hedges Lake, in Cambridge NY. Like his father, he was gentle and loved animals. He was artistic, intelligent and kind. 

His first serious career aspiration was to become a minister, but as he began studying in college, he found he enjoyed curating art exhibits in the campus gallery. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Albany with a major in Anthropology and a minor in Art, and would go on to study to become a library media specialist. Michael worked at the University Library at SUNY Albany for more than 30 years, and was beloved by all those he worked with. Before this, he managed a natural food store on Third Ave in Watervliet, and worked in the New York State Talking Book and Braille Library.

He met his wife, Jane, when his best friend from Watervliet High School, Ralph Einarson, was living in a student cooperative in an old brownstone house at 200 Western Ave in Albany. Jane and Michael’s first date was in Massachusetts at Alice’s Restaurant, of the popular Arlo Guthrie song. They even encountered Officer Obie directing traffic in town. On January 12, 1974, they were married. Their first child of five, Ethan, was born by the end of the year. 

For his entire life, he lived in his childhood home in Port Schuyler Watervliet, where he raised his family. Michael, along with Jane, homeschooled all of their children. He was an attentive and nurturing father, and an adoring husband. As a lifelong learner, he was always excited to learn something new. He loved to cook, and was very good at it, always learning from watching Julia Child and Jacques Pépin. Ever drawn to science and philosophy, he relished having detailed, speculative discussions about the areas that exist between. He loved to listen to John Prine, Pete Seeger, John Hartford, and Firesign Theater. He made many fond memories with his family by having tea parties, eating Ted’s Fish Fry and Gus’s, going to bowling leagues, and watching favorite TV shows like Nature, Dr. Who, Big Bang Theory and Friends.

He was predeceased by his mother, Mildred Bewsher [Phalen], his father, Joseph W. Bewsher, and his daughter, Sarah Brenenesthul [Bewsher]. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Jane Bewsher [Arata], his cousin, Ann Fisher, his sons, Ethan and Eli Bewsher, daughters Hannah and Norah Bewsher, and two grandchildren, Dylan and Pearl Brenensthul.

A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, May 11, 2022 from 5 until 7 PM at Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home, Watervliet. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The American Cancer Society, The Lupus Foundation of America or your favorite animal welfare charity.

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Hi Ann, Glad to see you joined the website. I hope all is well.

Posted on: Jun 25, 2026 at 4:48 PM

Happy birthday Bill. Hope all is well and life is good.

Happy birthday Joe. I hope all is well with you and your family.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY HARRY! I HOPE ALL IS WELL AAND LIFE IS GOOD.

Have a wonderful birthday Joanne.

Happy Birthday Jean.

Have a brilliant birthday Chris. Enjoy it to the fullest.

Happy birthday Scott. Have a fun day with family.

Have a safe, healthy, and fulfilling birthday Marilyn. I hope all is well and Joseph good.

It appears things are going well for you and your family. Thank you for sharing. Best wishes, Bob Christiansen

Have a wonderful birthday Suzanne. I hope all is well and life is good.

Happy Birthday young man.Have a fulfilling, memorable birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EFFIE. HAVE A GREAT DAY.

Happy birthday Erin> Rx for fun birthday is to celebrate with family and friends.

Posted on: Dec 27, 2025 at 9:28 AM

Happy Birthday Kim. Have a wonderful day.