Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Stennes Obituary
Born in Boston MA, Michael was the son of Ernie Stennes and Judy Hall. He graduated from Turners Falls High School, Greenfield Community College, and UMASS with degrees in Electrical Engineering. Following his education, Michael was employed by Raytheon where he worked as Senior Electrical Engineer for 7 years and led the engineering of the Patriot Missile System Upgrade. He then went on to a long and fulfilling career as an electrical engineer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, WV where he designed receiver systems for numerous radio telescopes at the observatory.
As an avid runner and bicyclist, Michael enjoyed a highly active lifestyle, regularly training for and participating in marathons and triathlons around the world, including the 2016 Iron Man Triathlon; even qualifying for the Boston Marathon. He played an active role in his community, organizing multiple races in the WV area, including the annual Turkey Trot held at the observatory.
Michael is survived by his mother, Judy Hall (Ayoub), his stepfather, Carl Hall, his father, Ernie Stennes, and his stepmother, Maurine Stennes. Michael leaves behind four loving children, Katherine, Jonathan and his wife Shelby, Ryan and his wife Hannah, and David, as well as one granddaughter, Willow Stennes. He also leaves behind girlfriend Julia Brumfield of Elkins, WV.
Michael also leaves behind 2 siblings, Eric and wife Jennifer Stennes of Bernardston, MA, as well as Mark Stennes and girlfriend Paulina Franco of South Hadley, MA, and 3 nephews, Nicholas, Ben, Michael, and other loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at United Church of Bernardston, 58 Church St, Bernardston, Massachusetts. The Rev. David Neil, Pastor will officiate. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Greenfield Cooperative Bank, 144 Main Street, Northfield, MA 01360 for the Michael Stennes Memorial Scholarship Fund
Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave, Northfield, MA is in charge of arrangements.
To send condolences please visit www.kidderfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Stennes
Greg
May 22, 2023
I'm saddened to learn of Mike's passing, and offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends. I interned for Mike at the observatory in 1995, back then we were working on the 140 ft telescope and the GBT L-Band receiver. I immediately took to his think more than you talk approach, and really worked to emulate his style. Over the years I've shared many stories of my brief time a the observatory and the people who made it truly special, including one really great boss. Rest in peace, Mike.
Robert Hayward
July 22, 2020
I still often have the urge to send Mike an email about something new that might be of interest to him. Alas, the void left by his passing is still sadly felt, and I do miss the fine humor embedded in his replies.
Robert Hayward
July 30, 2018
My wife and I were truly saddened to hear about the loss of such a good friend and respected NRAO colleague. We first met Michael in 2004 when we were able to convince him to help us on the EVLA Project by coming out from Green Bank to work on several new polarizers. His designs were both creative and novel. The best part of the collaboration was that Mike would come to Socorro for extended periods, and usually would stay with us.
While he was one of the smartest & most capable guys we have ever met, he was still an extraordinarily kind & humble man. Even our cats, who tend to hate strangers, decided this was a human they would condescend to tolerate. Mike thus received the highest form of praise they could possibly confer on him.
After one long visit Mike sent us a nice painting by Katherine Gillipsie (a former Elkins resident) which he thought nicely captured the feeling of West Virginia in winter. He knew we were from Canada and (sometimes) missed the snow (but not the cold). The painting arrived in the mail, and a few months later so did a frame which he had built for it. The painting has been hanging in our dining room, where it will certainly stay to remind us of the enjoyable meals we had when Mike was visiting.
I also have fond memories of hiking up the Manzano & San Mateo mountains here in New Mexico with Mike, as well as hiking down to the Phantom Ranch at the Grand Canyon in 2007. And, yes, it was always hard to keep up with him.
While we have generally only communicated by email since I retired in 2012, there will now be a looming void to not receive any more of his messages - always filled with his exquisite dry wit - ever again.
Our condolences to all of Mike's family and friends. We have sadly lost one of the good guys.
Bob & Liz Hayward
Socorro, NM
Steven White
July 30, 2018
Condolences to the family and all who where touched during Mike's journey. His pursuits were rich and varied. I had the pleasure of managing his professional career for many years. I also experienced his caring nature after a mountain biking accident required a trip to the ER. He drove the hour and would not leave until a family member arrived. Mike you will be missed.
Karla Jenkins
July 28, 2018
Dear Michael I hope you read this from heaven I love and miss you so much when I found out my heart seemed to just stop we have done so much in the past 4 years that I've known you only you know how much I truly loved you Jaeda and Russell send there love also prayers the family Michael till we meet again ❤
Paul Weese
July 27, 2018
My heartfelt condolences go out to Michael's family and friends. His kindness, generousity, intellect, and humor will be greatly missed. May peace be with you.
Rohit Gawande
July 27, 2018
My deepest condolences to Mike's family. I worked with Mike in 2002 when I was an intern at GBT and later we worked together on Argus. He was always very kind and ready to help. He is a big loss for the community and will be sorely missed.
Carla Beaudet
July 26, 2018
Michael's cultivation of his athletic pursuits was an inspiration to us all. Although this is an untimely tragedy to be sure, I can't help but think there's some small comfort in knowing that he died doing what he loved.
July 26, 2018
Dear Michael, We are so glad we had the time we shared with you. We know you are in the Lord's loving arms. Rest in His peace. Love Dad and Maureen
Sallee Macknik
July 26, 2018
Most sincere condolences to Mike's family.
Caroline McKean
July 25, 2018
Katie, Jon, Ryan, David and the rest of Mikes family, Mike leaves a legacy through you guys and the beautiful work he did in West Virginia building trails, starting races and leaving people feeling better after a brief chat with him. I am deeply saddened by this news but send love, comfort and warm thoughts of healing. Blessing and light.
Jennifer stennes
July 25, 2018
Michael I can't imagine why God would take you from us. I know he has a reason I just wish it wasn't now. I am so thankful I was your sister inlaw. I will truly miss all your jokes, your baking, your warm heart and kindness. I am so grateful that we got to watch you compete in the ironman triathlon in Lake Placid. That was the most inspiring thing i ever witnessed . We were so proud of you. You touched so many lives and were so inspiring. You were a true hero. love you Michael. May you be an angel watching over all of us. love your sister inlaw Jenn
David Frayer
July 25, 2018
My deepest condolences to Mike's family. Mike was a great friend and colleague. Within the first week of my joining the Observatory staff at Green Bank, he showed me around the local trails, and I will forever cherish my memories of our mountain bike and road rides together over the years (Tour of Tucker County, Rumpus, Cheat Mountain, Allegheny Mountain, Hosterman trail, Back Mountain Road, and a few crazy mountain bike trails that he carved out himself...).
I enjoyed our conversations about his many adventures around the world and my time at work with him -- it was obvious he took great pleasure in his training and his athletic competitions. I will never be able to climb up the feed arm stairs of the GBT again without thinking of Mike -- why bother taking a slow elevator when there are hundreds of good stairs to use instead....
Mike engineering expertise and work at the observatory has been greatly appreciated and has enabled great science with the GBT for 1000's of astronomers around the world. Personally, I have had the pleasure of working with him on Argus and the 4mm Receiver. He was exceptional at tracking down difficult issues, and I appreciated his patience in explaining technical details for which I knew little. I have many wonderful memories with Mike. He will be sorely missed.
July 25, 2018
Please accept our deepest condolences and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
RIP. Catherine and Michael Watson (Cape Cod).
D.J. Pisano
July 25, 2018
During my time in Green Bank, I loved all my time with Mike, be it biking, helping him work on the trails, swimming, working, or just catching up when I visited. I am heart broken that he will no longer be with us. My deepest condolences to all of his family for this loss.
David and Paulette Woody
July 25, 2018
We were deeply saddened by the news. Mike was a thoughtful and kind man - always a helpful coworker. I loved seeing him out biking or running when outside on break. One could tell that they were activities that he really loved. We send our thoughts and prayers to the family, and ask the Lord Jesus to comfort you in the days ahead.
Debbie Kelly
July 25, 2018
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your lossour thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. We send you thoughts of peace and courage.
The Kelly Family
Simon Dicker
July 25, 2018
I always enjoyed working with Mike when I visited Green Bank. He will be missed.
Steven Tritapoe
July 25, 2018
Sending my deepest condolences for your family's loss. Mike will dearly be missed.
Sue Shears
July 25, 2018
Mike was always willing to help you, no matter what. I loved his dry sense of humor. My deepest condolences to Mike's family.
Rich Carey
July 25, 2018
R.I.P. Mike :(
Bruce and Freda McKean
July 25, 2018
Katie, Jon, Ryan, David, Our hearts are broken at the loss of your father. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your families.
Shirley Curry
July 24, 2018
Mike was a great friend and wonderful person. My condolences to his family. He will be missed by many.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Stennes's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Stennes
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Stennes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
