Michael "Magic" Hrab

Michael "Magic" Hrab, 63, of Syracuse, passed away Thursday at Crouse Hospital. A lifetime resident of the Syracuse area, he was a graduate of Bishop Ludden High School and Le Moyne College and received his Law degree from Western New England Law School. Michael was a lawyer with Hancock and Estabrook, LLP. He wanted to personally thank everyone he shared his life with and apologize to anyone with whom he had unfinished business. Aside from the persons he shared his life with, Michael had several passions in life. Early on, it was magic, then law, then magic and law. He started performing magic at age 10 and that passion grew to include a loved and close circle of friends from around the world, along with his acceptance into the local magicians’ groups: Ring 74 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Assembly 14 of the Society of American Magicians, and the Annual Fechter’s Finger Flicking Frolic (FFFF) Original Close-up Magic Convention where he met a cherished circle of friends who shared the same passion. This event was his “Christmas” and he vowed to never miss this annual event until he found his way to Heaven.

Michael truly enjoyed bringing magic and a smile to all, whether it be a hospitalized child or a high-ranking politician. It is good to try to see and enjoy all of life’s magic and wonder.

Michael wanted to be a lawyer since age seven when he first went with his father, Leon, to the family lawyer when his mom, Mary, went to Heaven. His dad helped formulate Michael’s love for politics and religion, often saying “My dad fought in World War II so that we can disagree, vote to see who wins (this time!), and then share a beer together.” Speaking of which, Michael was a Scotch connoisseur.

Michael enjoyed his attendance at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church where his grandfather was a founding member in 1913 and its first bell ringer. Michael was a proud past president of the church’s Holy Name Society. His faith in God and Heaven was unshakeable. And he loved to think of the heavenly reunion he will have with Jesus, Mary, Michael’s parents, and even his former pets and Houdini!

Michael was predeceased by his parents, Leon and Mary Hrab.

Surviving are the love of his life, Wendy Cavallaro; sisters, Joyce Corbett of Syracuse and Barbara (John) Eberz of Cicero; nephew, Paul Corbett; step-daughter, Gina (Tyler) Blum; step-sons, Richard (Stephanie) Cavallaro and Anthony (Melissa) Cavallaro; and grandchildren, Angelo, Giovanni and Gabriella Cavallaro, Tyler Jr. and Alex Blum and Stella and Sophia Cavallaro.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Erlebacher, Dr. Cherny, and Hanna of HOA.

Relatives and friends may call Wednesday, September 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, September 8 at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 259 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse.

Michael will be laid to rest in St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or to the Food Bank of CNY, 7066 Interstate Island Rd., Syracuse, NY 13209.

Like Mike always said, “It’s all good.”