Michael R. Michalewich

NORTHBOROUGH
The family of Michael Michalewich are sad to report that he died on December 7, 2025 after a period of declining health. He died peacefully surrounded by immediate family.
Michael Michalewich was born on June 19, 1939, in Fall River, Massachusetts. He was the oldest of 4 brothers, born to a Polish American father and a French-Canadian mother. His family had limited resources when he was young, and he started working to help support his family from an early age, helping his mother with her work as a seamstress and helping to deliver milk to feed his family. Michael was born with a brilliant mind; crosswords, classical music, reading and learning were important to him from childhood onwards. He did so well in school that he was accelerated and graduated from high school 2 years early. He then went on to graduate with a degree in chemistry from Brown University in Providence.
Michael moved to Philadelphia after college to work for Rohman Hass chemical company, eventually moving back to Fall River where he was introduced to Martha Golz by his brother's wife. By every metric, Martha was the love of his life, and the connection they had was a force for good in their family and their communities. They married in May of 1972. They supported and helped each other achieve great things through their 53 years together.
Michael was an attentive and supportive father. His three kids, Katherine, Amy and Michael were the center of his attention as they grew up, and he would frequently talk about their achievements both large and small to almost everyone he met. His curiosity, love of learning was passed to his children, and he loved watching them learn and grow, cheering for all three of them to achieve their goals. This attention, love, care and support was also felt deeply by his grandchildren, Will and Quentin Holmes and Natalie and Ayla Harding. For Michael, love was a verb. He would be present at their activities and celebrations and would never turn up an opportunity to spend time with family in whatever way was needed.
Michael always took advantage of opportunities; he enjoyed traveling, exploring new places, learning about new ideas. He was deeply kind and committed to making the world a better place. He welcomed people into his home, made great food, laughed a lot, loved spending time with family and friends. He was happy when the house was full and there was a lot of conversation and activity. He loved solving puzzles, watching mysteries on PBS, continued to excel at math, chemistry, science and loved reading about history as well as other books throughout his life.
He expressed his gratitude and love for the people around him and as he approached the end of his life, he made sure to tell his family with every conversation how much he loved them. Aristotle said that a good life is not measured in single good deed but in the habit of goodness. Michael had a habit of kindness and goodness and will be deeply missed.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Golz Michalewich, his three children, Katherine, Amy and Michael, their partners, Christopher, DJ and Renee. His beloved grandchildren, Will, Natalie, Quentin and Ayla and his grand-dogs, Axel and Bones. He is also survived by two of his brothers, Richard Michalewich and his wife Judy and Albert Michalewich and his wife Phyllis as well as several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held 5-7pm on Thursday, December 11, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St, Northborough, MA. Michael's funeral will be held at 10am on Friday, December 12, at Trinity Church of Northborough, 23 Main St, Northborough. To leave a condolence online, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Friends of the Northborough Senior Center. The Northborough Senior Center was a source of community for Michael for many years. The Friends of the Northborough Senior Center donation information can be found at https://www.friendsofnorthboroughseniors.org. To mail a donation, please use this address: Friends of the Northborough Senior Center, 119 Bearfoot Road, Northborough, MA 01532.