Michael I. Waters, age 73, of Ripley passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA. He was born on May 7, 1953 in Tonawanda to the late James and Madle (Burgans) Waters.
Michael graduated from Ripley Central School with the Class of 1971. He dedicated many years as both an employee of the Ripley Town Highway Department, as well as a grape farmer taking pride in his work.
He was an avid fan of everything baseball, especially of the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers. He enjoyed being outdoors, sitting on his swing, watching the sunset, casual drives, golfing, fishing, motorcycles and most importantly, being a full-time grandpa. Whether he was cheering from the sidelines, sharing stories, or simply spending time with his grandchildren, those moments meant the world to him. Michael will be sadly missed by everyone who loved him.
Michael is survived by his wife, Sandra "Sandy" May (Steinhoff) Waters, whom he married on December 11, 1976; children, Christopher Waters (Casie), Shaun Waters (Michelle) and Terri Skinner (Justin); brother, Alan Waters (Prudence); sister, Ruth Bydke (Thomas); and grandchildren, Christopher, Walter, Alexander, William, Eleanor, Connor and Markus.
Friends and family may call on Wednesday, July 22 from 2:00-5:00 PM at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street in North East, PA, where a funeral service will begin at 5:00 PM. Officiating the service is Pastor Phil Johnson. Private interment will be held at Quincy Cemetery.
Please send condolences at www.elkinfh.com.
