Michael Edward Denosky

Michael Edward Denosky, a dedicated public servant, accomplished attorney, and passionate environmental advocate, passed away on September 30, 2026, in Austin, Texas—the community he proudly called home for the last 40 years. He was 75 years of age. For nearly nine years he quietly faced multiple cancers and numerous complications, he faced lasting limitations without complaint, and he gracefully accepted his hardships as his pathway to the peace he so deeply deserved.

Born in Little Rock and raised in Albany, New York, Michael’s curiosity about the structures shaping our society led him to pursue a life intertwined with civic duty. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the State University of New York (SUNY). Following college, he immersed himself in the legislative process, working as a Congressional Aide at the New York State Legislature. He later moved to Texas, where he graduated from the University of Houston Law Center with a Doctor of Jurisprudence.

Michael dedicated nearly 25 years of his career as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas. As a Board Certified Trial Lawyer and a member of the State Bar of Texas, he was a guardian of the law and had an unwavering sense of justice in his public service. Following his retirement from the state AG office, he went into private practice a few years and later handled Mediations and Arbitrations for the Travis County Appraisal District.

Beyond the courtroom, Michael was a man of strong convictions and a lifelong student of politics. He did not merely observe history; he actively participated in it as a strong supporter of political causes and candidates in line with his views and democratic values, routinely taking tangible steps to champion the ideals closest to his heart. His greatest civic passion, however, was protecting the environment. Michael was an environmentalist who lived his values daily. Before sustainable technology became mainstream, he was an early adopter and vocal proponent of green energy. He powered his home with solar panels and championed clean transit, transitioning over the years through several plug-in hybrids to his most recent, a self-driving Tesla. His knowledge and passion made him a sought-after voice, leading him to speak at numerous seminars on the topics of solar power and electric vehicles.

Michael was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Mike and Helen Denosky. His memory will be forever cherished by his loving wife, Pamela Gaither; his stepdaughter, Lauren Gaither Brown, and her husband, Dave Brown; and the grandsons who brought him immense pride, Jacob and Holden Brown.

Real Estate was Michael's favorite side business. He built up a portfolio of residential properties and expanded this with Pam, turning the process of buying, renovating, staging and selling homes into a shared passion project.

Above all his professional achievements, Michael was a man of strong faith and he was a devoted family man. Michael told those close to him that marrying Pam was the best decision of his life. He treasured walking Lauren down the aisle at her wedding and buying her wedding gown for her. Michael felt deeply fulfilled when he became a grandfather and was called “Gpaw”. They spent a great deal of time in NYC where Lauren lived and met her future husband Dave. They together took great pride in their two grandsons' utterly amazing skills in sports. Michael and Pam both loved spending time in Colorado where they had a home for over 20 years. They loved the glorious cool mountain air, hiking and exploring the hiking trails nearby and throughout the state. They dabbled in fly fishing and loved being near the roaring waterways. They were able to travel fairly extensively for many years.

He leaves behind his five siblings: Diane Forkeutis of Albany, NY; Linda Denosky Smart and her husband Jim of Peace Dale, RI; Jim Denosky and his wife June of Charleston, SC; Stephen Denosky of The Villages, FL; and Joan Hight and her husband Geoff of Conway, AR. He is also fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, including Ulanda Smart, Miguel Smart, Ali Cocci, Nicole Forkeutis, Kristen Lentz, Stephen Denosky, Chris Denosky, Kasey Dunnahoe, Kolton Hight, and Kaden Hight.

Michael wants to be remembered for his love of God, his wife, family and community, his lifelong fight for fairness and equity, his active role in shaping a better democracy, and his commitment to protecting our planet. He will be deeply missed, but his impact on this earth will endure.

Service Information

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on October 29, 2026, at 11:30 am at Emmaus Catholic Church, located at 1718 Lohmans Crossing, Lakeway, TX. Family and friends of all faiths and backgrounds are warmly welcome to attend. Following the service, please join the family for a reception and light refreshments at the church in the Great Hall.