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Michael Mara

1957 - 2019

Michael Mara obituary, 1957-2019, Largo, FL

BORN

1957

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Athy Memorial Home

111 Lancaster St

Worcester, Massachusetts

Michael Mara Obituary

Michael Allen Mara, 61

LARGO, FL - Michael "Mick" Mara of Largo, FL/Newport, RI was born on October 4, 1957, the date the Sputnik was launched. Once he realized his mother had been induced he blamed his shortcomings on being born early. He often joked he "could've been Einstein" if he'd gone full-term.

Mick died unexpectedly on September 23, 2019. He leaves behind his wife, Linda Villeneuve Mara, his mother Joy Mara, his daughters, Julie Genga (John), Jennifer Gendron, (Neil), stepdaughters Josee and Melanie Leclair and grandson Luca Gembillo Leclair, his siblings, Marilyn Allen (Bill Liberis), Carolyn O'Malley (Chuck), George Mara, Jr. (Tricia), Patrick Mara (Sandy Kisor), Colleen Connolly (Bernie). Mick's family takes comfort knowing that he's with his previously deceased father, George Mara and his brother, Fred Mara. He also leaves his Canadian family: his mother-in-law Ghislaine Villeneuve, in-laws Serge Villeneuve (Renee), Marc Villeneuve (Lyne), Michel Villeneuve (Suzanne), Manon Villeneuve, and Julie Villeneuve. He had numerous nieces and nephews he loved hugely, and a large group of friends he considered family.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, September 28 from 4pm to 6pm at Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St. Worcester, MA 01609.

Mick graduated Doherty High School in Worcester, MA (Class of '75) and Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Class of '79) before traveling the world as a Captain for the US Merchant Marines. He taught navigation (specializing in celestial) at the Naval Surface Warfare Officer School in Newport, RI. He recently retired to Largo, FL with the intent of becoming a full-time happy hour and meal deal hunter.

Mick lived to spend time with the love of his life, Linda, and often echoed his father in saying "you've outdone yourself tonight, baby!" at every meal. He reiterated constantly that he'd "won the lottery" when he met her. Mick was also quick to express his love for his daughters and step-daughters to anyone who would listen, he considered his mother and siblings his best friends and confidantes, and maintained a tight-knit circle of friends, many of whom he'd known since grammar school.

Mick was notorious for tricking people into "adventures" and "quick" hikes that were often over 10 miles long. He lived by the phrase, "the more the merrier" and was known for warmly welcoming anyone into his circle. He was the host with the absolute most (according to everyone but his neighbors, who sometimes questioned the volume of the classic rock playing through the walls and the stomping of late-night dance parties). Mick's warmth and generosity will be forever missed and celebrated by the countless people who love him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Doherty Memorial High School (Memo line: Fred Mara Scholarship Fund) c/o Judy Fairfull 299 Highland St. Worcester, MA 01602.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Sep. 25 to Sep. 26, 2019.
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Bob Leclair Family

September 20, 2023

My name is Dave Janes, class of 77 from MMA. My sincere condolences and feeling of loss. Mick and I sailed together for several years on the SS Sam Houston. We made the best of it, esp. with tough times. I just learned of his passing yesterday. I called him a couple of years ago, to say hello. I live in Largo, FL, only a couple of miles away. We didn't connect. So sad. I guess that was the life we had to live. Tremendous loss. Always friends and shipmates. My best to all.

David Janes

December 7, 2019

he was very nice and a loving father

October 25, 2019

So sorry for the loss to your family. Too young. May your memories help you through your grief.

Laurie Raphaelson

October 1, 2019

Joy, Linda and family....Just learned of this tragic news....Mick was special and so helpful to all...He will be greatly missed by all...Both Peg and I send our deepest sympathy.....Love, Dave & Peg

David Babbitt

September 30, 2019

My condolences to your family Michael. RIP

Mike Tangney

September 30, 2019

My Heart goes out to my Niece Julie & Nephew John
Whom have unexpectedly lost a significant part of their lives. May you both be comfortated by our support. All Our Love, Uncle Bruce, Adam & Emily

Bruce Genga

September 30, 2019

Met Mick a few times. A great guy to be with and have good laugh. He will be missed by many. Peace love Eddie and Nancy O

Eddie and Nancy Oldakowski

September 29, 2019

I truly loved the man.We have been friends for almost 50 years.He was the brother that I never had. He embodied all of the qualities that you look for in people in general, and your friends in particular.He was kind, compassionate, honest, intelligent, funny, hardworking, witty, self deprecating. He had a strength of body and character. His integrity; unquestionable. He was the guy that you wanted to party with, and go to war with. His love for family and friends was infectious. He made all of us better. He was the catalyst and the glue. All of our tomorrows are less bright. Julie and I are devastated. All our love to the family,
Jake

September 29, 2019

Mick, it's still hard to believe you're gone. Our passion for navigation bought us together but our friendship is what I'll always remember. You looked out for those you cared about and your passion for enjoying life was contagious. From shooting sun lines at Brenton Point to enjoying a cold one on Broadway, the memories we share will last forever and the lessons you taught me will never be forgotten. I know you'll always be up there looking down while making sure those stars stayed aligned, to keep us all in safe waters. I'm forever grateful for everything you've done, the times we shared, and the friendship we had. I'll always remember you Mick. You and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Captain.

Kevin Mullins

September 28, 2019

Chantal Lussier

September 27, 2019

Chantal Lussier

September 27, 2019

Mick, you have touched our souls by being this incredible man: gentle, strong, with so much knowledge, wisdom, humour and openess... and this is just a summary. You will forever be in our hearts and memories. Linda, très chère amie, nous t'envoyons tout notre amour et de la force pour surmonter ta peine qui est immense. Nous pensons à tes filles, ta mère, tes surs et tes frères qui vivent cette peine avec toi. Mick's Mama, daughters, sisters and brothers, all family membres, we offer our deepest sympathies and healing thoughts.

Chantal Lussier Robert Bigonesse

September 27, 2019

Julie and Jen- so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear dad. He was truly one of a kind! I was just recently remembering our morning rides to Mountview, always with a donut stop on the way (with maple-frosted for you, Julie)! Also, anytime the car parked anywhere in our travels jokingly yelling at us to get out of the car! So kind and so funny- he will be missed! Keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers.

Lindsay (Ewick)

September 27, 2019

Julie and Jen: I'm so sorry to learn about the passing of your dad. You and your entire family are in my thoughts during this sad time

Stephanie Major

September 27, 2019

a loved one

September 27, 2019

To the Mara Family, I am very sorry for your loss. He was one very special guy! To Mick, thanks for the many memories. RIP my friend.

Ron Schumitz-MMA '79

September 27, 2019

Dear Family of Mick Mara -

You are in our thoughts and prayers and we send our sincere condolences and much love.

The Doherty Family - Linda, Kathleen and Tom

Linda Quinton

September 26, 2019

Dear Family of Mick Mara,

We are thinking of you and send our sincere condolences and much love.

The Doherty Family, Tom, Kathleen and Linda

Linda Quinton

September 26, 2019

Chère Linda, nous sommes de tout coeur avec toi et nous t'offrons toutes nos condoléances! Michel et Carole Poulin

Michel Poulin

September 26, 2019

a loved one

September 26, 2019

Quelle triste nouvelle et quel choc! Il n'y a pas de mots pour exprimer notre tristesse

Nos pensées sont de tout cur avec toi, Linda, toute ta famille et ta belle-famille.

Ton oncle Gilles Villeneuve
Ta tante Noëlla, ta cousine Christine, ton cousin Luc et moi, ta cousine Brigitte. xxoo

Brigitte Villeneuve

September 26, 2019

Jen, Julie, and family- We are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. It was clear how much he loved you girls and relished being your dad. Thinking of you all- Love-Tj and Samantha Sawyer

September 26, 2019

Mes sincères condoléances ma belle Linda. Mes pensées sont avec toi. Bon courage.

Nicole Mongeon

September 26, 2019

Mic, Will never forget winning the 3-man volleyball tournament on the 78' cruise. You were a tall man.
Oh one more thing, Since your in heaven, put in a good word for all you have left behind, so we can see you again.
Holli

Mike Holohan

September 26, 2019

A man among men

Paul Rochford

September 25, 2019

Mes sincères condoléances Linda à toi, ta famille et toute ta belle-famille.

Ta cousine Danielle Poulin xxx

Danielle Poulin

September 25, 2019

So saddened to hear of Mic's sudden passing! Will cherish our times together and Miss You Dearly! Love Ron, Jill, Jeffrey and Tyler Erikson

Ron Erikson

September 25, 2019

There are no words to express our shock and sadness to learn of Mick's untimely passing. He was such a wonderful man. Our prayers are with Linda, Joy and the entire family. God bless.

Michael& Francine Mckercher

September 25, 2019

Mes sincères condoléances à Linda et ses proches.
Yvon Poulin & Manon Riel, Maniwaki. Qc Canada

September 25, 2019

Mes sincères sympathies à toi Linda
ainsi qu'à ta belle famille Mara et amis (es)
Il va beaucoup nous manquer et sa joie de vivre aussi.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends

Ghislaine Villeneuve

September 25, 2019

You will always be in our hearts

Josee Leclair

September 25, 2019

RIP Mick, You will be missed by many. You have touched the hearts of myself and friends/family around me. Mick, your sense of humor was absolutely the best! So Funny. You were the person who was always available when someone needed you! "The man who walks with a screwdriver in his pocket, that was you".
With Love,
Sharon and Joseph Wilder

Sharon Wilder

September 25, 2019

Robert Leclair

September 25, 2019

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Memorial Events
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Sep

28

Calling hours

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Athy Memorial Home

111 Lancaster St, Worcester, MA 01609

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Athy Memorial Home

111 Lancaster St, Worcester, MA 01609

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