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Michael Urban Obituary

URBAN, Michael G. Age 57, a Framingham Firefighter, died peacefully, Friday, January 7, 2011, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a six-month battle with Mesothelioma. He was the devoted husband of 30 years to Maureen (Delaney) Urban of Holliston. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Helen Urban and was the nephew of the late Joseph Urban. His dedicated public service spanned 24 years as a member of the Framingham Firefighters Local 1652. He was also a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade. Mike was a true outdoorsman who respected nature. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a member of many sportsman associations. In addition to his wife, Maureen, he is survived by his daughters, Jessica Urban of Philadelphia, PA, and Kelly Urban of Santa Barbara, CA. He is also survived by in-laws whom Mike considered true siblings: Paul and his wife Alicia Delaney of Granada Hills, CA, Bob Delaney of Norfolk, Chuck Delaney of Oakham, Jan Delaney and her husband Tom Nee of Bourne, Jeanne and her husband Eric Clapper of Holliston; his aunt, Carol Kenney of NH, and cousins, Chris Bean, Beth Comeau, Joey Kenney and Peter Kenney; many loved nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral with full Fire Department Honors on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 10 AM from Norton Funeral Home www.nortonfuneralhome.com, 53 Beech St. (Corner of Union Ave.), FRAMINGHAM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 AM in St. Stephen's Church, 251 Concord St. (Rt. 126), Framingham. Burial will follow in the family lot at St. Stephen's Cemetery, Framingham. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be Monday from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the International Mesothelioma Program, c/o David Sugarbaker, MD, Brigham & Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115

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Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 8 to Jan. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Urban

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Maureen Urban

January 1, 2020

9 years - 3285 days - 78, 840 hours more or less - since Mike has been by my side. Having the support of a very close family & having the friends Mike & I each made in our lives helped me immensely in those early days of grief - THANK YOU so much for being there for me. I have continued on life's quest trying to live mindfully knowing for certain one's future is not guaranteed. In memory of Mike I strive to make being & appreciating nature some portion of each 24 hours. Stepping out my door to walk the 2+ mile path around Fresh Pond never gets old nor walking the pathways of Mt. Auburn Cemetery's 175 acres just down the street. The city forest ranger in his uniform, leading a tour at Fresh Pond has such an enthusiasm & knowledge - I love the feeling of being transported back from this urban life I'm now living to the country life that was so much a part of my life with Mike. Mike certainly cultivated in me a deeper appreciation for nature than I already had, although I knew I wanted to marry an "outdoorsy guy" - & I did! As he would go off to hunt, Mike would repeatedly tell me, "it's not the killing that I enjoy, it's being in the woods - listening to the turkeys calling, seeing & hearing an owl, seeing the sun rising from a field..." With each walk I have taken these past 9 years my senses have become keener. Each time I spot a deer or a turkey or a coyote I feel especially close to Mike. And noticing the leaves on a tree, or the shimmer of the sun on the pond brings me the feeling of serenity & joy that I am seeking. So I will continue walking, being grateful for my physical & emotional health. I am walking for Mike, and I know he is with me in each step I take.

Karen Napoli

January 24, 2011

We were so sorry to hear about his passing. My husband is a diabetic and Mike was often part of the company that responded to our 911 calls, either at home or where he worked. He was always able to defuse the tension with a smile and a compassionate and caring remark. Please accept our sincere sympathy for your loss.

Paul Keyser

January 14, 2011

Dear Maureen.

I just learned of Mikes Passing and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Mike was a Huge part of my life after my Father Died.
I lived across the street from His Uncle Joe and Mike was friends with my sister Kathi. When i needed a Father/Big Brother in my life, He stepped in and took the time toshow a little kid how to Fish and Hunt and become an archer.
More than that he helped me thru the tough teen years and put me on the right path to becoming the Man/Father I am today.

January 12, 2011

Dear Maureen, Jess and Kelly,
We recently learned of Mikes passing and our hearts are aching for your tragic loss. We shared so many days of ups and downs in our months together at Brigham and Women. We still can feel your warm embrace and kinds words of support for our son Thomas as we struggled together month after month. Our happiest time was having Mike and you share in Thomas's birthday party in the conference room and smiling as we remember Mike commenting on the antipasto from Olivas. When Thomas learned of Mikes passing, he said, "I will always remember him telling me to keep up the fight." We are so blessed to have met your family and hold you close to our hearts at this difficult time. Jess and Kelly your Dad smiled with joy when we spoke to him not to long ago as he beamed when he talked of your accomplishments.
Please know that we hold you in our prayers.
With love,
Pam, Tom, Thomas and Jonathan Harmon

Cristi Pirro & Justin Rodriguez

January 12, 2011

Jess:

We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Love,

Claire Fitzgerald

January 12, 2011

Dear Maureen,Jesse & Kelly--We just want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.Nancy wants yoy to know that she said a prayer for Mike. Our Love is with you--Claire&Jim

Robert Crosby

January 12, 2011

My deepest sympathies to the Urban Family. I remember Mike from high school and him hanging with Scott Rose. He was a good man and will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Rest in peace Mike. What we have lost, God has gained.

Joseph (Larry) Eden

January 11, 2011

My condolences to the Urban family. I carry a heavy heart on learning of Mikes passing. I remember fishing with Mike at Ashland Reservoir in the late 60's and he always caught the biggest or most fish of anyone so I was not surprised to learn of his life long passion for the outdoors.I moved in 1978 from Framingham to Los Angeles but have never forgotten my boyhood friend. Your family was blessed to have Michael as a father and a husband,he was a special man.My prayers go out to his two beautiful daughters and to you Maureen. May God Bless your family. If there's a fishin' hole in Heaven ,guess who's gonna catch his limit.
RIP Mike...thanks for being my friend,you will forever be in my heart.

Charlie Heaton

January 11, 2011

Mike I was thinking of you last Friday as I was working on my farm in W.Charleston, VT. I hope that we can meet again whe we are both in spirit. Your spiritual friend.

Cher Barrett

January 10, 2011

My deepest condolences to your family. I always enjoyed listening to Mike's hunting stories at the Woodville Rod & Gun. He truly will be missed.

Doreen Brooks

January 10, 2011

Maureen, Jan, Jeanne and family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of Mike. He was a such a wonderful, kind person. I last saw him about 8 years ago at one of the Holliston Senior High School fall yard sales. I had bought a large metal desk and couldn't fit it in my car. Mike offered to drive it to my home in Ashland in his truck. I enjoyed seeing him and we reminisced about the times we spent together years ago when my Dad, Bob Dunton was dating Jan. My your many memories give you some peace and comfort at this difficult time. Sincerely, Doreen

rob cornell

January 10, 2011

Most people tip-toe around loss, because it's uncomfortable. Or maybe they fear causing additional sadness. We live in the present, but we only got here by having a past. And if we are lucky enough to have a past filled with people who loved us, but aren't with us anymore, remembering them and passing on those loving memories is the greatest gift of all. We will always remember Mike --rob and mary cornell and family

James McDevitt

January 10, 2011

- it was a pleasure to know such a man mayMMichael Rest-In-Peace (RIP)

January 10, 2011

Maureen,Jess & Kelly, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike was a wonderful and thoughtful person and will always be in our hearts.
Susan Capen and Arthur Cole

D Studley

January 10, 2011

D Studley

January 10, 2011

Patricia Nee

January 10, 2011

May god embrase you and your family and may you find peace & love as you continue on. Always knowing one day you will once again be at each others side. cherish all the memories the family has had together and may that bring you warmth, comfort and peace.

Rena Santillo

January 10, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was a wonderful person.

Debbie Delano DeWolfe

January 10, 2011

Maureen and girls,
I am so very sorry to hear about Mike. Such a tragic loss to all of you. We missed having Mike at our class reunion, and I will always have remember the fun we had when we worked together in high school at the First National store. My sincere condolences, and may all your wonderful memories bring you comfort during this most difficult time.

Cheryl Magri

January 10, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Woodworking by Mike - photo 2

Paul Rose

January 10, 2011

Some of Mike's handywork at the Rose residence in Bellingham- 1997/98 photo 1

Paul Rose

January 10, 2011

Mikes opinion of Eric's Kawasaki 500 (he's giving the "gag me" motion)

Paul Rose

January 10, 2011

Mike, Eric Renner & Paul Rose "The Madmen" circa 1972

Paul Rose

January 10, 2011

Paul & Kathie Rose

January 10, 2011

I remember our days at the First National Supermarket in Framingham, when we were all just graduating and beginning our life’s journey. What great times we had then and after graduation. Those are the memories I will keep in my heart until we ultimately meet again at the conclusion of my own journey; then we can sit and reminisce once again. God’s speed, Michael. Our most heartfelt and sincere condolences to your family.

January 10, 2011

Maureen, Jessica and Kelly- My deepest sympathy on your loss. Mike was one of the finest people I've ever known, it was an honor and privilege to have to served along side him. Rest peacefully Brother.
Peter Rovinelli

January 9, 2011

Maureen, Jess and Kelly-my prayers are with you. Mike was genuine human being. It was a pleasure to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Elaine Arnott (Holliston).

January 9, 2011

Maureen, Kelley and Jessica,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was a great husband and father and a wonderful person to know. We will remember his laughter and the love he had for his family. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Annmarie, Charlie & Lisa-Marie

January 9, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, from all of us at Nstar Gas Co. service dept

marie marchetti

January 9, 2011

Maureen, Jess and Kelly,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers each and every day... I hope you can feel the circle of love surrounding you.

Bob Carracini

January 9, 2011

Your turn to rest now Mike-the suffering is over. You gave it your all-as you always did on the dept. God bless you Mike!

January 9, 2011

Maureen and family my toughts and prayers go out to you all. Mike was a wonderful person that all of us will never forget. We will all miss you Mike.
Mike Ferrazzi

Cheri Michel Barnes

January 9, 2011

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Mike was such a nice guy and will surely be missed by all who knew him. It's been many years but I still have fond memories of staying at his cabin in Maine. Thinking of you. Cheri & Walter Barnes, and Bob & Vivian Michel.

Noreen Jones

January 9, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. I only had the pleasure to meet Mike on a handful of occaisions with my boyfriend (his cousin) Bill Delaney but I truely thought he was an exceptional man. My thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time. Noreen Jones

January 9, 2011

Maureen,Jess and Kelley. My deepest regrets to your family. He was the greatest guy to me. Especially after my injury. I'll never forget him. All my prayers. Odie and Enday

Mike Otenti

January 9, 2011

Urban family, My wife and I would like to send along our sympathy to you as another fellow fire-figher has passed way to early. I remember Mike when he first joined the department. Liked by all he will truly be missed.

January 9, 2011

To the family of Michael Urban, I was shocked and saddened to learn of Michael's recent illness and passing. A nicer person you could not find. I have known Michael since he first came on the FFD as well as thru the graciousness and generiosity of his carpentery/cabinet making skills - He would always takie the time and effort to help with projects that others might not be able to master. I never met his family, but he spoke of them often - his mother who he helped all those years until her recent passing and his wife, Maureen and her many siblingss that as an only child he particluarly appreciated. And how proud he was of his two daughters - often speaking of their accomplishments. My sincere condolences at this most difficult time. He will be sorely missed by anyone that had the privilege of knowing him. Judith Strom - Framingham

Mary Costa

January 9, 2011

To The Family Of Mike Urban,
It Is With A Heavy Heart That I Sign Mikes Guest Book. Knowing Mike Is Something I will Hold Close Always. I Am So Sad The Way Life Ended For Mike...He Deserved Better.

January 8, 2011

Maureen, Jess and Kelly, We are so heartbroken to hear that Mike has passed. We could always count on the Urbans for a good laugh, kind word and joyful feeling. Mike was such a good person. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Franny and Debbie

Deborah Dayton

January 8, 2011

Maureen, Jess and Kelly, We are so heartbroken to hear that Mike has passed. We could always count on the Urbans for a good laugh, kind word and joyful feeling. Mike was such a good person. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Franny and Debbie

January 8, 2011

Maureen, Jess, Kelly and all of Michael's family....my heart aches for all of you. Michael was a wonderful, wonderful man. May you all be comforted by the fact that he is no longer suffering. I know we will all feel his presence and love wherever we go.

Love, Donna Shannon

Brenda, Mike & Hannah Dayton

January 8, 2011

Mike, we can see your smiling face and your gracious gestures. We have great memories of the Boston Marathon parties at Jeanne and in Framingham at mile 6. We know God has a special place for you because of the heart you carried for everyone. Special hugs for Maureen, Jessica and Kelly, God Bless each of you and know God is always there for you.

Cathey Contreras

January 8, 2011

Maureen, Jess and Kelley:
I am praying for all of you, and will never forget what a kind and friendly husband and father you had. He was a true hero for so many people whose homes and businesses he saved as a fireman, and knowing him was a privilege and an honor for me, Kelsey, and William. Please call on any of the three of us at any time for any reason.
Cathey Contreras

Joseph Mazzola

January 8, 2011

God Speed my Brother. Rest easy!


Joe and Anne

Jane Yeager

January 8, 2011

I'm so deeply saddened by Mike's passing. I went to school with him and he was always one of my most favorite people. Mike rest in peace. For your family, my deepest sympathy to you and may you be comforted by your friends and family at this most difficult time.

Dee Aselbekian

January 8, 2011

Rest in peace Mike. We love you.



Brian and Dee

Steve Rundquist

January 8, 2011

Rest in peace my friend. The world is a lonelier place without you.

Jeanne Clapper

January 7, 2011

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the outpouring of love and support that so many have shown these past six months. What a wonderful tribute to an all around great guy. We will miss you, Mike, but will never, ever forget you. Godspeed.

Freddie Contreras

January 7, 2011

Maureen and Jess,
So sorry for your loss. Mike was a great guy

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