Michael Cobbins

Albany- Michael D. Cobbins, 64, of Williamsburg Court, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on July 11, 1951 in Hudson, NY, he was the son of the late Augustus and Dorothy (Crank) Cobbins.

Michael earned his A.A.S. degree in Nursery Education at SUNY Cobleskill in 1976, and his B.S. degree from Empire State College in 1981. He earned his Master of Science degree from Audrey Cohen College in 1998. He also proudly completed the 2005-2007 State University Leadership Development Program in conjunction with Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Michael returned to SUNY Cobleskill to begin his lifelong career of serving students in 1986, first as a Minority Recruiter, then also holding positions as Cultural Diversity Director, Interim Director of EOP, Sr. Admissions Advisor, and was currently the Assistant Director of Educational Support Services and Director of the MERITS program. He was a former member of State University of New York College Admissions Professionals organization, and was a member of the New York State Transfer and Articulation Association.

Michael also worked part-time during his weekends at Dick's Sporting Goods at Crossgates Mall in Albany, where he enjoyed being a skilled bike builder and sharing his vast knowledge of all types of fitness equipment with everyone. He was very proud to have successfully shed more than 150 pounds earlier in his life, and enjoyed living a very healthy and active lifestyle.

Survivors include his daughter, Kimberly McClain of Albany, four grandchildren; Andreana Cobbins, Gwenvona Brown, Shaquille Cintron (Miasia Benjamin) and Davmoni Cintron, two great-grandchildren; King Shaquille Cintron and Loyal'T Unit Russsell, two sisters; Janice Haynes and Susan Hedgecock, one brother; Kevin Cobbins, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Michael is also survived by his SUNY Cobleskill family and friends, and will be sorely missed by them and the countless students that he has assisted over the years. "Team Mike Forever".

Michael was predeceased by two brothers: Gergory and Daniel.


A memorial service will be held at 6 PM on Friday, January 8, 2016 at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill with Rev. Raymond Richards of Calvary Assembly of God officiating. Family and friends are also invited for a period of visitation to be held at the funeral home from 4 to 6 PM Friday prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael Cobbins Transfer Student Scholarship Fund, care of the SUNY Cobleskill Alumni Association, Knapp Hall, 106 Suffolk Circle, Cobleskill, NY 12043.