07/27/2026
Dr. Michael J. Lynch
was born December 26, 1932 in Webster, N.Y. and passed away on July 21, 2026 in the comfort of his own home in East Aurora, N.Y. He was predeceased in 2010 by his dearest friend and wife, Jane Domanski Lynch, as well as his son Daniel O'Gorman Lynch and his sister Eileen Atwood. Michael is survived by his children, including Jennifer, Terry and Cynthia, his sister Sharon, his close friend Diane Meyer, his many caring aides, and his longtime assistant, Angela, who has been with him since 1990. Dr. Michael Lynch was raised in Webster, N.Y. and kept many friends from grammar school and high school. He attended University of Rochester, and eventually Queens University medical school in Kingston, Ontario, which was also attended by his father, Dr. M. Gerald Lynch. After his medical residency, Dr. Lynch was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study at a psychiatric facility in London, England. Dr. Lynch began his private psychiatric career in Buffalo, N.Y., eventually having the largest solo practice in mood disorders from Niagara Falls to New York City. He found it immensely gratifying, getting so many people well after years of illness. In 1968, he grew his career to include forensic psychiatry, a new field at the intersection of medicine and law. Dr. Lynch became well known as an expert on the insanity defense, and was appointed to serve on the American Psychiatric Association (APA) panel that advised the Supreme Court on psychiatric issues. In 1994, the American Boards of Psychiatry and Neurology launched a new subspecialty in Forensic Psychiatry. At age 61 in 1994, he passed the inaugural exam, as well as a maintenance certification in 2003, and the subsequent full recertification exam in 2013 at the age of 80. Dr. Lynch continued his private practice until he went blind in 2018 at the age of 85. Even after that, he was asked to testify on a case in 2020, and had the voluminous materials read to him so that he could give a telephone deposition. It was his final case. Dr. Lynch said: "Getting into medicine gives you an opportunity to serve your fellow man. My career in forensic psychiatry and in treating depression was the most rewarding thing I could have done." Outside his medical practice, Dr. Lynch enjoyed travels with his wife, and was a member of Crag Burn, East Aurora Country Club and the Country Club of Buffalo, golfing with his many friends and colleagues. Dr. Lynch was able to stay in his home until his passing. He enjoyed his weekly visits with his friend Leo Blatz. His friend Phil Abramowitz made regular visits. His 95 year old friend, Billy Cumminsky, visited and read the sports and news to "Mike", as he affectionately referred to him, until Billy's death in late 2024. Dr. Lynch was thrilled by the achievements of his children and grandchildren, including that one granddaughter is following in the family profession of medicine and psychiatry. A funeral mass will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in East Aurora, N.Y. Donations in Dr. Michael J. Lynch's memory may be sent to Queens University and the Dr. Michael and Jane Lynch Chair in Psychiatry 1-800-267-7837.
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