Northborough – The Rev. Michael R. Cheney passed into larger life at home with his family in Northborough, MA on July 20, 2023 after a brief illness. He was born in New Haven, CT, April 11, 1960 the son of the Rev. A. Milton Cheney, III and the late Leanne (Williams) Cheney.
He attended public schools in Fitchburg, MA and Warwick, R.I. He received his undergraduate degree from Hobart College and earned an M Div degree at General Theological Seminary. He was ordained an Episcopal priest in December, 1992.
Michael was a lifelong Episcopalian and follower of Jesus and was nurtured in the church where he also served in many different roles from chorister, to camp counselor to youth minister to deacon to priest. He served in many different churches in Massachusetts; Trinity Church, Ware, Nativity Church, Northborough, Christ Church, Hamilton, Grace Church, Oxford and he was the Rector of St. Paul’s Church in Malden. He also served on staff of St. Michael’s Conference, Camp Monomonac and Bement Center Camp. He taught at The Applewild School in Fitchburg and was a visiting chaplain to the residents of Southgate in Shrewsbury.
He loved life and had a great sense of humor which he displayed in his sermons, creative writing and in his every day interactions with people in all walks of life.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Dana (Neptune) Cheney and his children HollyAnne (Robinson) Simon and her husband Xavier, Atira, Vanya and his grandchildren, Gavin, Elias and baby girl due any day. He’s also survived by his father, A. Milton Cheney, III and his wife Lois B. Cheney and his sister Elizabeth Nappa, wife of Joe Nappa and his brother Mark Cheney and many nieces, nephews and godchildren.
On Monday, August 7, there will be a time of visitation from 1-2 p.m. at the Church of the Nativity, 45 Howard St., Northborough, MA. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. Interment will take place in the church’s memorial garden.
In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to Saint Michael’s Conference that was near and dear to Michael’s heart, you may send your contribution (checks made payable to “Saint Michael’s Conference”) to:
Saint Michael’s Conference
Fr. Jay C. James, Director
76 Lawton Road
Needham, MA 02492
Donating to Saint Michael’s Conference (saintmichaelsconference.com)
Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with the arrangements.