Michael Corso

Albany - Beloved public servant, Michael Corso of Albany, New York passed away on Saturday October 29th. He was 61. A towering figure in New York State’s public sector and a passionate disabilities rights advocate and philanthropist, Michael left an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to interact with him.
Born in Brooklyn in 1961 and raised by Nat and Sonja Corso, Michael Corso lost his sight to a degenerative disease when he was 12 years old. Never once, however, did Michael let his disability define him, nor did he ever let it quell his tireless ambition and enthusiasm for life.

Michael Corso attended SUNY Albany, where he would graduate with a B.A. in Rhetoric and Communications and an M.A. in Communications, Telecommunications and Policy Management. It was at SUNY that Michael’s gusto for service would blossom and his skill in event organizing would flourish. He was elected student government president at the university, a term marked by landmark accomplishments such as winning a voting rights case that allowed students to vote where they attended school and signing legendary rock pioneers U2 to play at the school’s annual Mayfest.

Post-graduation, Michael turned that passion for public service and policy into a public-sector career that lasted over three decades. He spent his entire 34-year career at the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) as a prominent thought leader holding a litany of senior positions during his tenure. He served as Chief Consumer Advocate, overseeing deregulation in telecommunications and energy. He was a leading voice for consumer protection throughout the industries he oversaw, and was a respected executive leader at the PSC. Additionally, Michael served as Chairman of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, where—among other notable accomplishments—he was instrumental in bringing solar power to coffee farmers in Tanzania, Africa.
Outside of his public service, Michael was deeply committed to the people and things that were important to him. He gave back to the university he loved by serving as SUNY Albany’s President of the Albany Alumni Association and on the University Council. He was a frequent speaker at commencement ceremonies, and founded the Michael Corso ‘83 Scholarship Fund to assist students with disabilities overcome the challenges of higher education.

To those who knew him, Michael was a powerful inspiration on how to achieve extraordinary things despite immense challenges. Never one to make excuses, Michael overcame his blindness to excel in all sorts of activities, including bowling, skiing and tandem bike riding. He was an avid car aficionado, once even getting behind the wheel of a stock car, and a creative artistic spirit, becoming a regular performer and winner at the heralded Moth storytelling competitions.

Michael is survived by the friends and family who meant so much to him, particularly his beloved cousin Jonathan Sennett , as well as friends Christie Dickinson, Ana Gaby Montemayor, Tom Thompson  Chrissy O’Connor ,  Len and Judy Silverstein, Tom Peterson , Shauna Mizer, Darren Anderson and Kevin and Eileen Lang all of whom so selflessly helped care for Michael in his final days. Their love and compassion will be forever remembered by all friends and family of Michael Corso.

Gifts to The Michael Corso Student Scholarship at UAlbany may be made payable to The University at Albany Foundation and mailed to PO Box 761, Albany, NY 12201. Gifts online may be made in memory of Michael at www.albany.edu/giving/Corso. To leave a message of condolence, visit www.CannonFuneral.com.