MICHAEL HARAN Obituary

HARAN, Michael A life creating affordable housing Michael Haran spent 45 years creating secure, affordable, dignified housing for people with special needs in Cambridge, Somerville, and surrounding towns. He died April 17, at age 72. Upon receiving a brain cancer diagnosis in July, he quipped with characteristic humor: "Ted Kennedy and John McCain had glioblastoma; I must be politically connected." A 1973 Goddard College graduate, he majored in urban studies. In 1977, he became director of ECHO, providing cooperative housing for deinstitutionalized elderly women. In 1985, as director of CASCAP, Inc., he worked to provide housing for people with mental illness and expanded CASCAP to include people disadvantaged by age, income, or disability. Michael's hands-on-approach was characterized by empathy and regard for dignity. He maintained an open door policy at work for both clients and staff. He supervised with a light touch, encouraging employees to be creative and grow. A key to his success was his ability to get along with anyone, no matter their perspective. His principled approach earned him respect and many friends. Serving the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust, he was instrumental in developing the Neville Communities campus at Fresh Pond, and led the board for 20 years. The assisted living, nursing and rehabilitation center achieved five star rating. Upon learning of Michael's death, James Stockard, affordable housing expert at Harvard and 40+ yr. board member of the Cambridge Housing Authority, wrote: "He was a major moving force behind Neville and so many other really vital projects for Cambridge. A true hero of our community." Michael most cherished his time with his beloved wife of 37 years, Margaret Rack. Mike lead a full life, sunburned at Woodstock, sailed around the world, trained as a pilot, scuba certified, memorized Bob Dylan, and enjoyed his Red Sox season tickets. He served as "Quarry Master" in Gloucester for 25 years, helping neighbors preserve their environment. Michael J. Haran was born March 20, 1951, in the coal mining city of Carbondale, PA, to Joseph Haran and Jane Haran (nee Dugan). He is survived by his wife, Margaret Rack; granddaughter, Dune Streeter; son Khari Streeter and Khari's life partner, Duda Bosnic. His siblings include Joe Haran of Galena Maryland, Mary Haran and Frank Haran of Greenfield Township, PA; many beloved nieces and nephews from North Carolina to Hong Kong; and his Jack Russell protector and bestie, Coco.

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Published by Boston Globe from May 19 to May 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL HARAN

5 Entries

Donna steinert

September 5, 2023

I worked with and for Michael at CASCAP in the early 1990s. All
I can say is everything I needed to know about leadership and building teams, I learned from Michael. He was dynamic, caring, kind yet also had a set of expectations. He didn´t want you on his team if you required micromanaging. Instead he led by example never asking of anyone what he would not be willing to do himself. I went on to have a very successful career in senior management in the health care industry. There was never a challenge or problem that I solved without thinking about how he might have navigated it. I am so deeply sorry to his family and friends. I cannot imagine the incredible loss you feel. Godspeed Michael, you were, are one in a million!

Maggie Moran

June 7, 2023

I remember Michael from high school. We were both at Woodstock!! His achievements are noteworthy. My heartfelt thoughts are with his wife Margaret and all of his family. He was definitely a man on a mission. May his good works and legacy continue.
Maggie Moran... State College PA

Richard "Rick" Mooney

May 22, 2023

I remember Michael Haran as a lively, charming and fun compatriot from the happy days we shared together as youthful undergraduate students at Goddard College. Michael was a quick wit and a loyal friend who was always anxious to lend a helping hand with any good endeavor. I recall joining with Michael-at his insistent urging-to search for a lost child in the rugged mountainous northern woodlands above Goddard. That was the kind of guy he was, willing to drop everything to help others while cheerfully compelling friends to join in the endeavor. He had a knack for getting others involved in good projects and I will always remember him fondly.

I was terribly sorry to hear of his illness from my lifelong friend and former Goddard roommate John Bellamy-another of our informal group-and I will miss Michael dearly. I am delighted to hear of his fine humanitarian accomplishments but this as comes as no surprise given his fine qualities as a youth. My sincere condolences to Michael´s widow and family.

Guillermo Bahamón

May 21, 2023

Michael was patient, kind, & softly persevering. He did things by himself and the loyal contribution of his staffers who had the freedom to be creative.
I will miss his creativity and gentleness,
Guillermo Bahamon, at US HUD when Michael was a beloved and imaginative customer.

Michael Sullivan

May 20, 2023

To Mike´s Family and Friends:

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Mike was one of the GREATS. I had the immense pleasure and honor to work with him, while I served as Mayor and Councillor of Cambridge. His fantastic personality, knowledge, and empathy had the ability to win people over to the projects he was working on. When Neville was at risk of closing, Mike´s work insured that Cambridge lived up to the need for a continue of care in the creation of Neville Communities.

Mike, like George Bailey in the movie a Wonderful Life, made a difference in countless lives and left the world a better place. I was fortunate to consider him a friend and advisor.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Michael Sullivan

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