Michael W. Gordon

Michael W. Gordon, 60, of Brockton, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2014 at Brigham and Womens Hospital surrounded by his loving family following a courageous 8-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Mike was born on Sept. 11, 1953 in Leominster, MA. He was married to the love of his life, Joanne (Ruggiero) Gordon, for 25 years. He was the proud and loving father of Ryan and Rachel Gordon; devoted son of the late Carol and Francis Gordon; cherished brother of Rebecca Petrone and her late husband Michael, Peter Gordon, Richard Gordon and his wife Jane, and the late Charles Gordon; son-in-law of Mary Ruggiero; and brother-in-law of Dianne Ruggiero, Ralph Ruggiero, Fred Cram, and the late Maureen Cram. He is loved by many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, including Nancy Ianiri. Mike was a 1972 graduate of Brockton High School where he excelled in basketball, baseball and football, serving as co-captain of all three teams during his senior year. Michael was proudly inducted into the Brockton High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and was a supporter of the Brockton High Football Alumni Association. He received football scholarships from Notre Dame, West Virginia and BC, but instead realized a lifelong dream of playing professional baseball when he was drafted as a catcher by the Chicago Cubs organization as a third round pick in 1972. He made his major league debut on April 7, 1977. Michael was employed by Columbia Gas of MA, formerly Bay State Gas Company, for 28 years, most recently as a Locate Technician. He was a member of Utility Workers Union, Local 273. Mike loved watching all sports, especially following the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics. An avid golfer, he was a member of Thorny Lea Golf Club. His passion for golf led him to play in many annual tournaments, both local and regional. He loved spending time outside, enjoyed movies and music, but most of all cherished spending time with his family. He will be remembered as a humble, kind man who was devoted to his family and friends. Among his proudest moments was being able to see Ryan and Rachel earn their college degrees. Michaels family would like to offer heartfelt thanks to his dedicated team of doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and PCAs at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and D-F/Brigham and Womens CC Hospital for their care, compassion and efforts. All are welcome to calling hours Friday 3 - 8 p.m. in Waitt Funeral Chapel at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St., Brockton. Funeral from Waitt Funeral Home, Saturday at 8 a.m., funeral Mass at 9 a.m. in St. Anns Church, 103 N Main St., West Bridgewater, MA 02379 and burial at Pine Hill Cemetery, West Bridgewater. Memorial gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,Adult Leukemia Program, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 0224-9168. Visit www.waittfuneralhome.com or call 508-583-7272.