Michael A. Renahan of Chilmark and formerly of Mattapoisett died Friday, September 28, 2012, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 69.
Michael was born February 10, 1943 to Thomas A. Renahan of Mattapoisett and Pauline (Perry) Renahan of Mattapoisett.
He was predeceased by his wife, Joan Faith (Gagnon) Renahan and his stepson Michael W. Rossi.
Michael was a graduate of Mount Saint Charles Academy in Rhode Island. Shortly after graduating, he joined Mattapoisett Police Department and then went on to work with the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources for the Marine Division.
Michael, his wife, Joan, and step-children Michael Rossi formerly of Edgartown, William Rossi of Chilmark, Patricia Rossi of Chilmark, David Rossi of Edgartown, and Daniel Rossi of West Tisbury all moved to the Vineyard in 1973.
Shortly after moving to the Vineyard he changed careers and became a contractor. He truly loved everything the Island had to offer, such as hunting and fishing, and he enjoyed teaching his grandchildren all that he knew. He was the Chilmark Dog Officer for 35 years and served on the Board of Health, which he truly enjoyed.
His brother, Thomas Renahan of Maryland, and his step-children William, Patricia, David, and Daniel, along with nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren survive Michael.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 2, from 6 to 8 pm in the Chapman Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 3, at 11 am in St. Augustine’s Church, Franklin St., Vineyard Haven, followed by burial in The Abel’s Hill Cemetery, Chilmark. A celebration of his life will be held after the burial at the Chilmark Community Center.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Menemsha Fisheries Development Fund, P.O. Box 96, Menemsha, MA 02553.