Michael E. Walukevich

Michael E. Walukevich, age 70, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the AccentCare In-Patient Center in Milton, Massachusetts, with the comfort of his two daughters holding his hands.  Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on February 16, 1953, he was the son of the late Edmund Leo and Jennie F. (Zuke) Walukevich.  Mike was raised in East Walpole, Massachusetts, where as a young boy, he found his love for football.  As Mike grew up, he took his skill set to Xaverian Brothers High School, where he was a standout lineman on the football team.  Following his graduation in 1971, Mike traveled north to Canada, enrolling in classes at Concordia University's Quebec Campus, earning his bachelor's degree in 1975.

 

Upon his return home to the states, Mike began his career as a butcher, working alongside his Dad at the family's store, Edmund's East Walpole Cash Market.  Mike quickly took over as the owner after his father's retirement, learning about all aspects of the store.  As a talented butcher, Mike was incredibly knowledgeable about all cuts of meat and provided his many customers with perfect cooking instructions.

 

Mike married his beloved wife, Victoria E. "Vickii" Gould, on April 27, 1980, in her hometown of Woonsocket, Rhode Island.  The couple made their home in East Walpole, where they welcomed two daughters, Amanda and Veronica. 

 

Mike continued operating Edmund's, often working behind the deli counter while Vickii oversaw the front of the store.  Over the years, Mike employed many others, treating them all like family and forming lifelong friendships.  Mike's cooking skills did not end with meat, he was known throughout town and the surrounding areas for his famous potato salad, a recipe that was often imitated but could not be duplicated.  Following the closure of Edmund's in 2003, Mike took a position running the butcher shop at the Big Y in Walpole.  He was regularly sought out by his former customers holding parties or holidays for his guidance in meat selection and cooking instructions.  Mike later transferred to the Big Y in Franklin, where he retired in 2015.

 

Throughout his life, Mike was an avid sports fan, following his beloved New England Patriots whenever they took the field.  He was a longtime season ticket holder at the stadium in Foxboro, taking his family with him to enjoy the experience.  Beyond sports, Mike loved attending many concerts over the years, taking in classic rock shows, and especially looking forward to Aerosmith's tours.  H enjoyed sharing his love of music with his daughters, bringing them to his favorite shows when they were young.  As they grew up and found their own taste in music, Mike gladly attended concerts and shows, getting a complete education in the current pop music. 

 

Most of all, Mike was devoted to his family, ensuring they had everything that they needed.  He was delighted at the birth of his granddaughter Hadley, sharing a special relationship with her as only a grandfather could.  They spent countless hours together, playing outside, waiting for the school bus, and holding slumber parties.  In 2019, Mike proudly took Hadley to her Daddy Daughter Dance at Old Post Road Elementary School, getting all dressed up to ensure she enjoyed her special night.

 

Beloved husband of the late Victoria E. "Vickii" Walukevich.

Loving father of Amanda E. Walukevich and Veronica A. Walukevich, both of East Walpole.

Cherished grandfather of Hadley E. Stone of East Walpole.

Brother of Paul Walukevich and his wife, Colette, of Cumberland, Rhode Island and Mark Walukevich and his wife, Anna, of Chelmsford.

Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Mike's visitation on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

 

His funeral service will be private with interment taking place in Highland Cemetery in Norwood.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to help raise funds for Mike's family through their Go Fund Me campaign https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dad-have-the-service-he-deserves