Name: Funeral for Michael Bernard McNamara
Start: 2023-01-27T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-01-27T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Brandon Funeral Home - Fitchburg

Fitchburg, MA

Michael Bernard McNamara, age 72, died unexpectedly January 21, 2023 due to complications following Heart Surgery. Michael, Mike, Mika, Mac, was born December 16, 1950 and raised in Fitchburg, MA. He attended Fitchburg High School and received his Master's Degree from Fitchburg State University. Michael worked for Fitchburg State University for many years as Associate Director of Student Affairs. Before his retirement he held various Sales Positions. He leaves behind his loving wife of 30 years, Beverly Early McNamara, proud Step Father to Paula Gray (Eric) of Westford, MA, Mark Thornton of Booth Bay Harbor, ME. Three beautiful granddaughters, Elizabeth Osterberg (Ryan) from Rockwall, TX, Lauren Thornton, Brooklyn, NY, Kylie Gray, Westford, MA. Daughter in law, Carol Thornton, Kenville NJ, and great granddaughter McKenna Osterberg. He is fondly and lovingly remembered by his siblings, Martin McNamara (Jane), Worcester, MA, Thomas McNamara, Arlington, VA, Richard McNamara (Kerry), Reisterstown, MD, Ellen McNamara Moore (David), Worcester, MA, Kevin McNamara, Albany, NY, Stephen McNamara (Beth), Fitchburg, MA, Robert McNamara (Clementine), Shrewsbury, MA, Christopher McNamara (Lauren), Fitchburg, MA. Also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews, and Nicole and Chris Boucher from a previous marriage. He will also be missed by many dear friends including his Swim Team Colleagues.

He was an outstanding Swimmer and is a member of the Fitchburg High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Class of 1968. Michael also enjoyed the Outdoors, and among his hobbies were birding, swimming, hiking, gardening and even cooking!

He was the beloved son of the late David and Eleanor McNamara, beloved brother to his late sisters, Anne McNamara Darkazalli, Jane McNamara Kelly, and his Step-son David Thornton.

Funeral from Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd, Fitchburg, MA on Friday, January 27, from 4-6 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at Our Lady of the Lake, 1400 Main Street, Leominster, MA at 10:00 AM, Saturday January 28th. Relatives and Friends are invited to attend.

Interment will follow at St. Bernard's Cemetery, 96 Goodrich Street, Fitchburg, MA.

In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd, Fitchburg is directing arrangements.

View the online memorial for Michael Bernard McNamara

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sentinel & Enterprise on Jan. 25, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael McNamara

Sponsored by SentinelandEnterprise.com.

17 Entries

richard j contaxes

January 19, 2025

Great friend and person!

Tony Blagdon

August 21, 2023

Your Mum and Dad are my Godparents. They gave me the gardenias I planted in my yard in Bradenton FL as a housewarming gift.
We never met but we are like souls my brother.

Steve Holt

January 30, 2023

My thoughts and prayers are there for Bev and her family along with the McNamara family. We lost a treasure. Mike was an outstanding guy! I am blessed to have known Mike from our old YMCA days and of course, in high school swimming careers. Mike always gave 110 percent in his swimming endeavors. To say Mike was a great swimmer would be an understatement. He was one of the best that FHS ever produced. I lost touch with Mike as we moved along our years working and raising families but we rekindled our friendship in our swim team get-togethers. We were all blessed to have known such a great guy!

Bob Christie

January 28, 2023

To Bev (and her family) and the McNamara siblings (and their families), with sadness in my heart, I wish to express my sincere condolences over the loss of your beloved Michael. I was fortunate to be the coach of the FHS swim team when Mike's outstanding performances helped lead the way for our team's three years of excellence. As with most of our swim team family, we formed lasting friendships. It is with gratitude that Mike not only considered me a friend, but for always making feel important in his life. Thank you Michael. With love, Bob Christie

Sharon PEarson

January 28, 2023

Bev - Thinking of you this morning as you mourn Mac's passing. While I hadn't seen either of you for some time I will always have fun/fond memories of our times in Vermont - at the Whale's summer camps - and then, of course, Costa Rica. I still have a very vivid memory of him diving into the Pacific and swimming away as if it was nothing - while we stood on shore terrified that we would never see him again. And then in he swam - about a half an hour later. May you find joy in the memories of a life well lived.

Laura/Paul Niles

January 28, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathies .

Jim DiPerri

January 27, 2023

So sad to hear of Mikes passing, and I´m sure he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My condolences to the family, and in particular to my FHS 1969 classmate, Tommy - Jim DiPerri, Durham,NC

Bill Gates

January 27, 2023

My condlences to Beverly, Ellen, Marty, Tom, Chris and the McNamara family. Mike was kind, funny and a superb athlete/swimmer. I have great high school memories of Michael and sadness to hear of his passing! I sincerely hope happy and loving memories help you through this difficult time. The class of 1968 will always fondly remember Mike.
Sincerely
Bill Gates

The Ruberti's

Planted Trees

American Heart Association

January 26, 2023

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Cynthia Rock & Damon Sacco

Planted Trees

Cynthia Rock

January 25, 2023

Dear Bev and the McNamara family,
I just learned the news of Mike's passing and can hardly believe it. I have so many fond memories of him and especially how he inspired me to be adventurous and to open my eyes to all the beauty that surrounds us. I know he will be terribly missed by many. With love and sympathy, Cynthia

Sandy and Twig Dickinson

January 25, 2023

Dear Bevi, words are never enough. We shall remember Michael's smile and devotion to you and his family. Warmest regards

Marie Leblanc Flynn

January 25, 2023

My condolences to the McNamara family and all who loved Michael. May he rest in peace.

Cindy and Paul Cormier

January 25, 2023

Dear Bev, we are thinking of you during this very sad time. Michael was such a sweet guy. He was lucky to have spent the last 30 years being loved by you.

Joyce & Ray Campagna

January 25, 2023

Beverly I am so sorry to hear of your Husbands, passing. Please know that our thoughts are with you.

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