Michael Robert Ireland Sr.
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Michael Robert Ireland Sr. age 66, entered into the arms of his Savior early Monday morning, June 1, 2026. Michael grew up in Batavia, New York, where he married Robin Henderson in 1980. Also in 1980 Michael accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, which was the beginning of a life-long commitment of service to God. He graduated from Northstar Bible Institute in 1992, and in 1996 moved to the country of Ukraine, where Mike and his family faithfully served as missionaries for many years. In 2017, after a brave battle with leukemia, Robin went home to heaven. Mike married Denise Hutchison, also a missionary, in 2020 and they prepared to return to Ukraine. Being diagnosed with prostate cancer in November of 2021, Mike and Denise remained in the states, where Mike kept in contact with Ukraine and ministered at First Bible Baptist Church of Hilton through Life Groups, discipleship, and occasional preaching opportunities. He touched many live and challenged those he met to know God and study the Bible. For recreation Mike loved fishing and spending time with his family, and also playing croquet, of which he became a quick learner as director of the Rochester Croquet Club.
Mike is survived by his mother Anne, his wife Denise, his brothers Patrick (Christine) Tim (Mary), Dan (Peggy), and his children Jennifer (Joshua), Colleen (Brian), Michael (Anastasia), Kayla (Wade), Robert, and Kelsey (Richard). He also has 11 grandchildren, ages 19-2, who he loved to spend time with as often as possible. He is predeceased by his father Robert, his wife Robin, and his daughter Carissa.
Calling hours and the graveside service will be for immediate family only. All are welcome to attend his Memorial Service at First Bible Baptist Church, 990 Manitou Rd, Hilton, NY on Saturday, June 6 at 1:00 pm. Michael will be interned at Blessed Hope Baptist Cemetery in Batavia.
In lieu of flowers, Michael would be honored with donations to BIble Baptist Church of Fastiv, one of four churches that he started while serving in Ukraine. Please address all checks to First Bible Baptist Church and write Michael Ireland on the memo line.
I have many fond memories of Michael and your family. My heart is broken for you and rejoicing for Michael. You are loved and prayed for. May the God of all of comfort fill you with His love, peace and grace. I love you dearly.
Our sincere sympathy to all of extended Ireland family. We got to know Mike through our nephew, Brian and Mike’s daughter, Colleen Burnett. He was an example of faith in Jesus his entire adult life. We know he is rejoicing and safe with his Heavenly Father now. Love and prayers, Hanna and Scott Reithel
Well done, thou good and faithful servant!!
Never forget meeting you and your family in 97 before God solidified His calling on my life to eastern Ukraine. You were gracious and hospitable, enjoyed the years of friendship which followed.
Very saddened you have graduated to glory so early.
bro John O’Brien
Kharkov, Ukraine
Майкл був прикладом для мене в служінні Богу,чудовим братом,найкращим пастором.Дуже прикро,що хвороба не дала йому можливість повернутися в Україну.Я дуже вдячний Господу Ісусу,що він дав мені можливість зустріти такого брата.
Mike is remembered by many Ukrainians over here in Ukraine, having led many of them to Christ and training them in the Bible. My wife Dina and I, served together with Mike and Robin for many years. We helped each other out in jams and the ministry.. They were such a blessing to us! Many souls have been saved over here in the Kyiv and Fastiv regions through their ministry. of love. We will miss them both and Carissa until the Lord comes back.
Майкл був доброю людиною, через нього працював Бог. Мали надію, що зустрінемось в Україні, але воля Отця інша. До зустрічі на небесах! Молимся за втішення рідних!
Thank you for all the years of ministry and faithful service. I was invited by Carissa to come to Ukraine in 2009 and I spent 2 weeks there in the summer and it changed my life to see Mike’s ministry to the Church in Ukraine. I think about the people I met very often and the things the Lord taught me there. Praying for Denise and the family , and that Mike’s legacy continues to draw souls to Christ.
I rode the bus with Mike to school and wrestled with him in high school. It was a joy to come together with him after he was saved and had a small part in his discipleship. He went on to do great things for God! Praise the Lord for his great testimony! I pray God gives great comfort to the family and all who loved him!
Добрий і справжній, він завжди і всім допомагав. Він так був необхідний Україні, в свій час, і все заплановане Батьком там виконав…
Не довелося показати дорослу доньку…
Співчуття дітям і онукам.
До зустрічі на небесах Майкл.
Mike was a rare individual whose character and integrity left a permanent mark on who I am today. The values he lived by – his unwavering devotion, his kindness, and his quiet strength – challenged me to grow and reflect on my own path. I am a better person for having known him, and I will carry the lessons of his friendship with me always.
Mike will be deeply missed, but the impact he made on those around him will endure.
Very sorry Denise and family. I pray for The Lord’s comfort for you.