Michael Perchard

On Saturday, November 25, 2023, Michael Perchard, passed away in his Middleboro home surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was an artist, a teacher, a man of many colors, a peace-loving champion for the underdog, and a true friend to all.

Born July 16, 1948, Michael hailed from East Boston and was an "Eastie" kid to the core. He took great joy in recounting stories of growing up on the streets of Maverick Square with his brothers and lifelong friends, playing half-ball and shooting pool, diving off piers and swimming the "Dirty Water" of the Harbor.

After graduating from East Boston High School, where he was an Agganis Scholarship Award-winning varsity football player and served as Class President, Michael studied Education and Art at Bridgewater State University. There, he met and later married the love of his life, Jeannette. Together they traveled the world and built a beautiful life and partnership.

Michael enjoyed a longstanding career as a teacher in the Doran Annex School, Connell School, and Henry Lord Middle School in Fall River, and inspired countless children to live with courage, to overcome obstacles, to question the rules, and to enjoy a love of learning. He fought for the rights of teachers and students, and taught with heart, compassion, and joy.

An accomplished painter and artist, Michael saw beauty in everyday people, scenery, and his vivid memories of East Boston. He grew up gazing across the Harbor to the Boston skyline, and his deep love for the city and the ocean beyond were evident in many of his breathtaking paintings, which have been celebrated in art galleries and now hang in the homes of the many people he loved.

In 2017, after being diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, Michael received the miracle of a successful double lung transplant. He truly had a love for life and gave thanks every day to his donor and transplant team at Brigham & Women for this life-saving gift. In passing, Michael chose to donate his body to UMass Medical School, so that students could learn from him and help others survive and thrive.

His new lungs offered him seven more years, which he lived to the fullest, painting, dancing and singing as guitar-playing Santa, savoring extra-cheese pizza, watching Sox and Patriots games, telling jokes, laughing, playing cards, spreading joy and his boundless energy and enthusiasm with dear friends and family.

Michael is survived by his best friend and wife of 51 years, Jeannette (Fornasaro) Perchard, his brothers- and sisters-in-law, his many adoring nieces and nephews who lovingly called him Uncle Mikey, and his lifelong friends, all who appreciated the exceptionally kind and loving person he was to everyone. Michael is now reunited with his parents, Madeleine and Francis Perchard, and his beloved brothers James, Stephen, and David.

His family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Georgia's Girls Care and Hospice, who made it possible for Michael to live his final days at home with loving care.

A Celebration of Michael's Life will be held for friends and family on Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 12:00-4:00pm at Independence Harbor, 10 Narrows Rd, Assonet, MA 02702. Please RSVP by December 6 to lauren.dellolio@gmail.com