To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Donna BLasie
May 16, 2025
Dear Nancy, Daniel, Kevin and Dan,
We remember Michael and your family often. We hope all the good memories bring you peace. You in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, The Blasies
Eileen Hoye
May 21, 2023
I don´t know Michael.He was a wonderful person.He is in my prayers.I think of him often.May God wrap you with love.I feel for you and care about you.
Br. Michael
May 20, 2023
Michael was on my soccer team in 6th grade. I didn't know him well, but for some reason after all of these years I still think and pray for him. I send my condolences and prayers to you Nancy and Daniel. Our community here is praying for his soul.
Br. Michael CFR
Martin Cahill
May 16, 2022
I stop by his grave here periodically in franklin. Seemed like a great soul. I´m sure he´s one of Gods favorites in heaven ...
Ann Hall
September 28, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you each! I will light a candle for Michael when I go to Duke Univ. Chapel on Friday.
June 16, 2017
I didn't know Michael or your family, but I have a son who will be entering his junior year in college, and I cannot imagine what you are going through. My thoughts have been with you since his disappearance and likely will always be.
Patti Lucci
June 7, 2017
And so another message from a stranger in RI that was so touched by Michael's story. He was loved by so many and was blessed by a wonderful family and friends. We will continue to pray for all of you for strength and to remember the happy times that you all shared. Be well.
June 1, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Doherty family and all those that knew and loved Michael. As soon as I heard about it I was praying and watching the news daily hoping for a miracle. I do not know you but I grew up in Franklin many years ago. May you find comfort from friends and family and community as we all mourn your terrible loss.
Jan
Middleboro
Stephanie and Jim Abrams
May 31, 2017
Although we do not know you personally, we are part of your St. Mary's parish family, and our nephew graduated in Michael's class at Xaverian, which is also a tightly knit family. We have hoped, prayed, cried, and grieved alongside you. We continue to embrace you all in loving prayer in hopes that you will gain comfort and strength.
Margaret Neil (Kolb)
May 30, 2017
To the Doherty Family
My deepest sympathies to you during this very difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Margaret Neil
May 29, 2017
To The Doherty Family:
I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for the loss of your wonderful son. The world lost a very bright light, but his brightness will shine in the hearts of the hundreds of people his wonderful spirit touched over the years. God bless you all.
A Mom
May 27, 2017
To the Doherty family,
Please accept my sympathy in this time of overwhelming grief. I have been praying for Michael since I first heard his name. Handsome and smart are the first obvious descriptions of your son and brother Michael and although I'm a complete stranger I feel you must be so proud of such a remarkable young man. In truth, Michael's physical absence will feel like physical pain for you but look for signs from Michael and keep your hearts and minds open to receive them. It's all love from him. It will bring you comfort for he is and always will be with you. As a mother whose daughter passed suddenly at age 19, my heart breaks for all of you. Please know there are so many people praying for Michael and your whole family in this time of great sorrow.
Ton Isley
May 27, 2017
To his mom I'm so sorry for the loss of your baby. As a mom no matter what age they are they are our baby's. may he Rest In Peace. May the lord keep you strong an hold you up
Ann O'Reilly
May 26, 2017
May God continue to bless you, and give you strength. I have been praying for you and your beloved son since the beginning. May he Rest In Peace, and may your family continue to be strong.
Massoud Djabbari
May 26, 2017
My sincere condolences. Wish you strength and resolve.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Edel Ward
May 26, 2017
Rest easy Michael. You are a shining star. My heart aches for your parents, your brothers and all those who were blessed to have you in their lives
Judy Mom
May 26, 2017
Though Michaels presence has gone away....the memories of him, are with you to stay !So sorry for your loss.....
May 25, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss. We've prayed every night for Michael and your family, and will continue to do so. May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time.
The Goldstucker Family, Franklin Ma
The Guzman Gardner Family
May 25, 2017
To the Doherty family,
You have been in our hearts and thoughts since the beginning and will remain there for quite some time. We did not know your beloved son, Michael, but it seems he touched the lives of those he met in such a positive way. As parents, we share in your sorrow and hope you will be able to find some peace at this most difficult time.
anonymous
May 25, 2017
When he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun.
William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare Collection)
Shugrue Family
May 25, 2017
Dear Family and Friends of Michael. Though we did not know Michael, we deeply feel your loss and hope you find strength from all the love and support for the entire town of Franklin and beyond. I have been praying for his safe return and will continue to pray for your family as you grieve the loss Michael. May God bless you and Michael.
Paulsen Family
May 25, 2017
We will always remember Mike as sweet kid, friendly and a great team player.
While there are no words that can make this any less devastating to your family, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Maria Arza, John Howell and Marivi Howell-Arza
May 25, 2017
We are fellow Duke parents of a student in the Class of 2019. Our daughter did not know Michael. We are so sorry for your loss of this amazing young man. We are heartbroken for all. Our prayers and wishes for peace in your hearts are ongoing. May God bless you and keep you, turn His face to you in Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
Paula .
May 25, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim Greenla
May 25, 2017
To Doherty Family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you at the most difficult time in your life. I have never had the please on meeting Michael before but This really hit home for me. I have a son close in age with the same interests, and goes to Catholic Memorial similar high schools, as a family we sat by the tv countless hours hoping and praying there was a different outcome.
Not even knowing Michael just looking at his photo you see such an angelic handsome boy who had so much to offer. Just Watching the news unfold and seeing thousands of people helping in the search speaks volume. I have been praying for all of you since day one and I will continue doing so. Michael will be truely missed. God Bless
A Sad Mother From Abington
Kim Greenlaw
Michael Shannahan
May 25, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to the Doherty family and all of those who knew and loved Michael. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Connecticut Shannahans
Joanne Lohan
May 25, 2017
To The Doherty Family ,
There is no understanding , only prayers for peace and healing in your own time .
My John played youth hockey w Michael all those years ago now and attended XB in his freshman class , before returning to Franklin High , sophomore year . He helped in the search on two different occasions , and I prayed every day , multiple times , that he would be found and return to you . As a mother of three , I can't even begin to comprehend it . May Almighty God hold Michael in the palm of His hand , and until you are with him again , may He also hold you close everyday . I know so many people who are strangers to your family that prayed all week and are continuing to pray . There is some goodness in the world .
May God Bless You All .
With sincerest sympathy ,
Joanne Lohan , ( John ,David & Julia )
Brian & Lorraine City
May 25, 2017
We are so very sorry for your loss. God bless your family and may you find comfort with your support during this time.
May 25, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Selena Cousin
May 25, 2017
There are no words that can make this all better. I didn't know your son, but like so many others, he has made such an impact on me. All of Franklin mourns the loss of your son. He had such a sweet smile and I can only imagine that he lit up a room and was loved by everyone who knew him. May you find some peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead.
The Harsha Family
May 25, 2017
We cannot even imagine what you are going through at this time. We are so so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry..
Hoover Family
May 25, 2017
As residents of Franklin, our hearts deeply grieve with you. Hundreds of people if not more were praying throughout last week, and we are all heartbroken at the outcome. Our deepest condolences, and know that your town will continue to support you throughout the difficult times ahead. Your son seemed like a very special person with a compassionate spirit.
May 25, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to the Doherty family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael and all his family and friends.
The Gipson Family
Laura Flaherty
May 25, 2017
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with The Doherty Family at this sad time, may the Lord bring you peace and comfort...RIP Sweet Michael..xoxox
Lisa LaPlante
May 25, 2017
Words cannot truly convey the depth of sadness felt by so many for the loss of such a wonderful young man. He was loved by countless people, and I pray you feel his embrace and presence as you grieve for him.
Ann Tamulevich
May 25, 2017
Iam so sorry for your lose. May God be with your family at this time. I didn't know Michael but his story has really touched me. You should be proud of what a beautiful person you raised .He was deeply loved
Jen
May 25, 2017
My deepest condolences on the loss of Michael. You have all been in my thoughts prayers and heart. I pray you find some peace and strength by all the love that surrounds you.
May 24, 2017
I live in North Carolina, but was a resident of Holliston Ma. For 17 years. I have followed this story, and cried many tears. I have a son about the same age. No words can express the sorrow I feel for you all. I will pray for you each day for strength to get thru these most difficult days ahead. He sounded like a wonderful son, friend, and brother. May your loving memories bring some comfort to you now and until you meet again. Much sympathy to Michaels parents, siblings, family and friends. God Bless
Jill- Charlotte NC/Holliston MA
Curley/ Trotta
May 24, 2017
Dearest Friend,
While the loss of a loved one is never easy, even when anticipated, it is most certainly the hardest when they are taken from us too soon. Your recent loss of your son who has left us at such a youthful age is definitely in the category of those hard losses for which there is so painful a reminder of what might have been.
We offer our sincere condolence and deepest sympathy on your loss. May the outpouring of sympathy, the kind acts of friends and strangers and the comfort in knowing that your loss is felt by many, help you through this difficult time.
I ask for God's blessings on you and your wonderful family. May you find the courage and strength to move forward in peace and confidence and in knowing that his was a life well-lived.
May 24, 2017
We live so close to where Michael was found, and we hoped and prayed everyday that we would see him walk out of the woods back into his family's arms. Our hearts ache for you and your family and I hope you find peace in this most difficult time.
The Seibert family - Franklin
Darline Hsnba
May 24, 2017
I'm praying for you family on your time of sorrow. He was much to young
They always day it's hard to bury your children before the adults. My niece would be 16 this year and she passed at birth
May 24, 2017
Dear Family,
Wow, What an ideal son. Beautiful face and he seemed to get joy in life. My heart breaks for you as I am a parent too.. For those who love time is not - for love is everlasting!!! Till you meet again hold on to what real, your love
One of many strangers
C Carlson
May 24, 2017
I was so saddened to hear the news about Michael. My son is a rising sophomore at Duke so I followed the story closely and cannot imagine what you and your family are going through. He sounded like an amazing guy and know I have you all in my thoughts and prayers.
May 24, 2017
Wow, what a wonderful young man. He seemed to have a zest for life.I am very sorry for your heartache. He seemed all American. Michael will always be your son. For those who love , time is not for love is forever lasting!!
A stranger,ri
Tina Annonomous
May 24, 2017
I did not know the family but went searching for Micheal in the next town where we live, Bellingham Ma. We are all very,very sorry for the loss.My deepest sympathies for everyone.
Becky and David Siam
May 24, 2017
Rest in Peace Sweet Boy.
Tanya Abdilmasih
May 24, 2017
Dear Doherty family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My in-laws live a few doors down from you and I often would see Michael outside playing hockey, many times my 5 year old son at the time would try to take the ball or somehow interrupt their game by asking Michael many questions. Michael was always very sweet to my son, thank you for raising such a great boy. May you find comfort in your memories of him and know he will always be watching over you until you meet again, never to be parted again. God grant you strength in this difficult time.
Maureen Fitzgerald-Lea
May 24, 2017
Dear Nancy and Family,
I have no words to express how sorry I am for your loss. We all followed the news so closely and prayed for a good ending for Michael. I can't imagine the pain you feel. I keep your family in my prayers.
with love.
Maureen (Fitzgerald) Lea
Michelle Brunetti
May 24, 2017
Dear family of Michael,
I prayed so hard that He would find his way home to you. I spent several days last week babysitting my granddaughter in the area of franklin where I could hear the helicopter flying close by searching for your son. I had a knot is my stomach and felt like I knew you all and could feel your pain, I still do. Michael could have been any of our sons. I hope you all find some measure of comfort in knowing Michael touched so many lives, so many of whom he never knew. I will continue to pray for your son Michael and each of you. Hold each other close and know that Michael lives on in so many hearts.
My deepest sympathy,
Michelle Loring
May 24, 2017
Dan, I am so sorry for you, Nancy and the boys. My heart aches for you all. I hope you find some peace. Hold onto each other tight and cherish your memories.
Michelle Loring & family
Shonna Gaul
May 24, 2017
May god give you both the strength and peace you need to forge ahead through this unbelievable tragedy.
Joyce King
May 24, 2017
May your faith in God sustain you as your family deals with this incredible loss of your wonderful son Michael.
A Paulino
May 24, 2017
We know this is a very difficult time as we also lost our son recently. This is a time with great heartache and so challenging as you grasp for strength. Please know that your son is forever with you and your love for him is still unconditional and eternally in your heart.
We know this is not easy and we are praying every day for you and your family.
Our deepest condolences,
Ana and Chris
The Chakalis Family
May 24, 2017
Dear Doherty Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our son, attended high school with Michael and said he was the nicest kid. He is deeply saddened by the loss of one of his classmates.
May Michael's memories be eternal.
Warmest Regards,
The Chakalis Family
May 24, 2017
Such a beautiful smile. I'm so saddened to hear the news. Nothing anyone can say will lessen the pain your beautiful family feels. Be strong and hold on to each other for the strength you all will need to get through this. There's no pain like losing a child. God bless all of you. Your family will always be in my heart.
May 24, 2017
Dear Doherty Family,
I wanted to express my deepest condolences. I have been following Michael's story since it was first reported. My heart breaks for you and his brothers. I didn't know Michael but I have a 2 teenage sons of my own. It is obvious how much he is loved by his family, friends and community.
I wish you peace and comfort in the years to come. And know you are in the thoughts and prayers of many.
Ann Marie, Northborough
Cynthia Slattery Jezard
May 24, 2017
We are another family who does not know you but is heartbroken for you. We prayed all week for a miracle. We have three children, two recent graduates and a senior at Bishop Feehan High School and they were so hopeful too. Michael was a beautiful, bright young man with so much ahead of him. We will continue to pray for him and you his family. We wish we could ease your suffering. God bless Michael.
Joann Smith
May 24, 2017
So very, very, sorry for you, your family, and Michael's friends. Thoughts and prayers. Michael will live in our hearts for ever.
Beth
May 24, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I watched and prayed every day for Michael and for his family. There are no words to say that will make this better, but my deepest sympathies.
Julie
May 24, 2017
My prayers are with the Doherty family during this sorrowful and difficult time of losing your amazing son , brother , grandchild , nephew,cousin & friend . Michael will shine down upon each of you ,granting you peace until you meet again.Blessings from an unknown person who cares.
Cam Middleton
May 24, 2017
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Doherty,
I am so sorry for your loss. I played soccer with Michael at Xaverian and he was the nicest and kindest person you could ever meet. He would always put a smile on our coaches and teammates faces and he was always there for you if you needed anything. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paul and Essie Lechiaro
May 24, 2017
We are so sorry and saddened by Michael's passing. He has been on our minds ever since we first heard about the story. Our prayers and deepest sympathies to his family and to all who loved him. God bless you Michael.
Don & Mia Krishnaswami
May 24, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Michael's sweet life will be with you always....may it bring blessings one cannot imagine at this difficult time.
Don and Mia Krishnaswami
Norfolk, MA
swati Rao
May 23, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you find some peace and comfort during this very difficult time.
Peter (XBHS'13), Kevin (XBHS'16), David, Joanne & Lauren Trifone
May 23, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow.
Jean
May 23, 2017
I offer you my condolences and prayers on your loss. My hope is that the prayers and concern of those of us who do not even know you bring your family peace and consolation. May God wrap His loving arms around you all as you grieve this unthinkable loss.
Rebecca B
May 23, 2017
Like many people here, I too followed the story of the search for Michael following his disappearance. I so hoped that he would turn up safe and sound, and find his way back home to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
anonymous
May 23, 2017
I dont know you but i was heartsick when Michael went missing.My heart breaks for all of you.My prayers are that God holds you close with love and comfort.To look at pictures of your son he just exudes a sweetness.ALWAYS you will have Michael in your heart and he will watch over you all.Faith is your foundation that Michael is with Gods angels and one day you will be all together in eternity.I am so sorry for your pain and the loss of such a beautiful young man.
Kelly
May 23, 2017
Dear Doherty family, I don't know you, but you and Michael have been on my mind constantly since I heard this story. The first thing I did every morning and the last thing I did every night, was pray and check for the good news everyone wanted to hear. I prayed and hoped along with the thousands of strangers Michaels story touched. I saw thousands of people writing messages , praying with all they had, trying to think of a way to help, asking if they could do something. In a world where so many things can divide , it was a beautiful thing to see so many people come together and pray for Micheal. I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. I hope it brings some small measure of comfort to know that thousands of people are holding you and Michael and their hearts.
Joanne Anderson
May 23, 2017
To Michael's family and friends,
Please accept our deepest, heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your beautiful son. We were all praying for his safe return. Wishing you strength and peace during this difficult time.
S. Dorrill
May 23, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I followed the news and prayed for a different ending to this tragic story. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family and all of Michael's friends and classmates.
DePalma Family
May 23, 2017
Unable to find words of comfort for your pain. We didn't know Michael or your family though you all have been in our thoughts and prayers. May his beautiful spirit always be with you. And that you find peace in the love you have for each other.
Tony & Cindy DePalma XHBS P'16
Diane Fowler
May 23, 2017
To Michael:s Family,
I am so very sorry, your son has died. As a mother, my heart goes out to you all. I prayed michael would be found alive. Please find some comfort , knowing his story touched so many lives and people cared so much about him.
Linda
May 23, 2017
Thinking of you all in this time of deep grief for your son, Michael. I full well know the pain you feel as I lost my son 9 years this coming June; different age and circumstance.
I know Roni and Sean.
May you feel the love and comfort of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A Stranger who cares
May 23, 2017
To the Parents and Family of Michael, I am so very saddened and heartbroken for you to read about the tragic passing of Son/loved one....my heartfelt condolences to all who knew this young man. Psalm 147:3
May 23, 2017
To the Doherty Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. We are so sorry love the Tobin's Franklin
May 23, 2017
To Doherty family You don't know me but I live in Franklin. I am a mother of 2 boys and can't imagine how difficult this must be for your family. Thoughts, prayers for your family in this difficult time. Ann Mazzeo
Kaila Webb
May 23, 2017
As is the case with so many others, you don't know me. I followed Michael's story, checking and hoping for good news each and every day. I offer my sincerest condolences to your family and will be praying for you all.
Michael, Joanne, Alec, Jeffrey & Mitchell Callahan
May 23, 2017
Our hearts are broken, there are no words that can express how deeply sorry we are for the loss of your son. Hold your memories tightly and never let go.
Brian McTeague
May 23, 2017
To Michael's Family. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My son was a classmate of Michael at XBHS '15. Michael is an extraordinary young man who will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your unending love and memories of Michael help you in some way through this difficult tragedy. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Meredith, Emily, and Ryan Sheehan
May 23, 2017
Our thoughts,prayers and our hearts have been with you everyday, and will continue to be with you. You are surrounded by love.
Rashi & Dinesh Madhok
May 23, 2017
As a Duke class of 2019 famiy, we have praying for Michael and your family. There are no words for a tragedy like this. It is unimaginable. Reading the tributes, it is apparent he was a brilliant student, great friend and exceptional person who will be missed by many. With much love and deepest condolences to your family.
Shannon Paleologos
May 23, 2017
There are no words to heal your pain for your heartbreaking loss of a wonderful young man who had an incredible future in front of him. As a Franklin mom of two young boys, I cannot fathom the pain you all are feeling. We are sending prayers and our deepest condolences to you and your entire family and circle of friends. RIP Michael.
Jill Kinsella
May 23, 2017
I am a fellow Duke parent. I didn't know Michael personally, but I have followed your heartbreaking story in the news, and wanted you to know that I am thinking of you in this time of grief.
Pam Koska
May 23, 2017
I had hoped so much that your son would be found safe. I was very moved by this because I too have a 20 year old college child, a daughter, home for the summer who will be a junior in the fall. I can't imagine the worry, and the pain and sadness you've experienced. He seemed like a wonderful young man. I don't know you but as a human being and parent, I wish you peace and comfort at this time.
Martha Cala
May 23, 2017
No words can express how sad we all are at the Duke community for your loss. My son, Martin Cala, a freshmen at ATO shared many special moments with Mike this year, even driving with him to Beach Week at the end of the semester. Sending my prayers so that God will comfort your family during this terrible time. May God have Mike on his eternal presence!
May 23, 2017
You do not know me but I have prayed for your son and family ever since hearing of the news of your precious baby's disappearance. I do not claim to know even an ounce of the pain you are in or how every breath you take must be in anguish at the loss of Michael. I do know I-as will so many others you do not know-continue to offer our prayers for your family's sorrow and pain. And being a mother myself, my heart breaks each and every time I think of Michael and the family he left behind whose grief I can only imagine. May God's love and presence some day bring you a bit of peace and easing of your sorrow at the loss of MIchael from your life here on earth. xoxo
May 23, 2017
For Michael's family and friends....May memories help to heal your sad hearts. So very sorry.
Sherry Davis, Wrentham MA
Debbie Young
May 23, 2017
Although I didn't know Michael or your family, I just want to say how sorry I am for your loss.
Margaret Flanagan
May 23, 2017
Although I do not know your family, Michael, my heart goes out to them for the unspeakable loss of the gift of your life. As a mother, I cannot imagine what your family is going through. I send love and prayers and grace to them as they try to process this profound loss. From all that I have read, I know you touched a lot of people and will be missed greatly. My deepest condolences to your family and friends.
JaiKaur LeBlanc
May 23, 2017
Like so many others you do not know, I have been praying for your precious baby's safe return and have been heartbroken for your family since hearing of the tragic end to all of our hopes for MIchael's safe return. My prayers continue for your family for what I cannot begin to imagine is the pain and sorrow which are yours with every breath. Please know I-as are so many others unknown to you-are continuing to pray for your family at this most heartbreaking time.
Kathleen
May 23, 2017
Oh the sorrow...our deepest sympathies & prayers for Michael's family & friends that Jesus comforts, strengthens, & carries you
through this overwhelming pain.
Phil. 4:6, 7
May 23, 2017
May the peace of God be with you.
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