Michael J. Locke

Mr. Michael J. Locke passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at his home in Medford, he was 87. Born and raised in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland he was one of eighteen children born to the late Ellen (Finn) and Patrick Locke. In 1949 he and his brother, Victor, immigrated to the United States to meet their brother Freddie. Not long after settling in Charlestown Michael was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. At the time, he could have chosen to return to Ireland and avoid war, but instead decided to stay and serve his future country. As an Irish citizen, he was fighting in the US Army assigned to the 32nd Infantry Division, on the front lines he began as a scout and then became a sniper. Tasked with seeking out enemy locations, they would track and report vital information back to command. After the war, he returned to the US and in 1958 he became a proud US citizen. He met his beloved wife, Mary O’Connor, and the couple married at St. Clement Church. They lived in Charlestown, Arlington and then settled in Medford to raise their family.

A hard-working man, Michael worked for many years as a glazier. He helped build the City of Boston we see today, projects included the Prudential building, Boston Public Library, JFK Library, 60 State Street and 100 Summer Street just to name a few. Working for the Pittsburg Plate Glass Company, Michael was a member of Local 1044 and Local 35. He enjoyed playing his “numbers” but above all enjoyed time spent with his family. Especially devoted to his wife Mary, he visited her grave daily since her passing in 2007.

Michael was the devoted father of Ellen Jaczuk and her husband Jeff of Medford, Michael Locke and his wife Karen of Wilmington, Theresa Gomes and her husband Steve of Westford, Sean Locke and his wife Ramona of Brookline, Brian Locke and his wife Sara of North Andover and the late Mary Evelyn Locke.  He is survived by one brother, Frank “Frankie” Locke of Ireland. Dear Grandpa of Briana, Mikayla and the late Brittany Locke, Christina and Mary Bridget Gomes, Daniel Locke and his wife Kristy, Kaitlyn Moore and her husband Campbell, Nolan, Gabriela and Kamila Locke. Also survived by several brothers and sisters in law. He was the beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews from the United States, Ireland and England.

 Funeral procession from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville, Friday morning at 9:00 am followed by a Funeral Mass in Immaculate Conception Church, Malden at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends invited. Calling Hours Thursday 4-8 pm. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or Disabled American Veterans, 255 Main St., Rm 213, Marlborough, MA 01752.