Michael J. Bintz

Michael J. Bintz passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Albany Medical Center following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 79 years old, born in Watertown, NY on January 2, 1947, son of the late Donald “Lefty” and Rosemary (Mooney) Bintz. He is the husband of Dorothy “Dolly” (Thie) Bintz who he married in Fort Myers, FL in 1969.

Mike started his career in Auburn Correctional facility, and worked in various capacities all over NY state during his many years with the Department of Corrections. He was an educator and superintendent and believed in the power of activity. He was renowned for coordinating pickup basketball games and was a founder of the DOCS Olympics, a multi-day challenge that brings the great variety of Corrections Dept employees together for camaraderie and competition and still continues today.

At once intimidating and endearing, he liked spreading the myth that he was forged by the harsh North Country winters, but in reality, he was shaped by the women in his life. Hardly ever deferential, he often followed the lead of his wife, Dolly. Navigating life as a team for nearly 60 years, decisions were made together, always doing what was right and best for the family. His two daughters live life in his image – big, loud, confident, full of joy and laughter, thriving equally on the farm (Maggie) and in the big city (Liz). It’s hard to discern between what Mike taught his daughters and, as his offspring, what he simply hardcoded into their genetics – backing down from nothing, saying what everyone else was thinking and outlasting every party.

He didn’t just enjoy having a good time, he was also a loyal and dedicated colleague and friend to so many, eager to provide a smile, which sat beneath a recognizable mustache. Always ready for an old-fashioned refill or seconds (no matter what was being served) he was deft at landing verbal jabs and pretty good at physical ones too. His unique physical brand of affection was always sincere.

His six grandchildren, along with his nieces and nephews, learned to love the outdoors in his presence. Fishing, hiking, sports and activities of every variety were cheered with the constant support and encouragement of “Grumpa, Uh Oh or Uncle Mike.” Whether his words instructed them to “wave to the old people” as you run by or “get mean” when things were tough he inspired his daughters, their children and those he cared for to be active, be involved and look out for others. His legacy will be in the generations that will cheer for the Yankees and participate in The Great Race (Auburn, NY), DOCS Olympics, horsehoe tournaments, hiking trail maintenance, St. Lawrence River conservation and all communal outdoor activities.

He is survived by his wife, Dolly Bintz, his daughters Maggie Bintz (Josh Smith) and Liz Conboy, his grandchildren Quinn Smith, Maren Smith, Eliza Smith, Harper Conboy, Nola Conboy and Augustus Conboy as well as his siblings Mary Ellen (James) Gannon, Katherine (Donald) Tremont and Thomas Bintz.

A celebration of Mike’s incredibly full life will be held in the spring of 2027.