Mike’s life story, as shared by his family
Northborough – Michael R. Feeney passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at UMass Memorial Medical Center’s University Campus after a period of declining health. He was 65 years old.
Mike, as he was affectionately known by all, was born and raised in Marlborough, MA and was a graduate of Marlborough High School.
Surviving Mike is his son, Zachary Feeney and his fiancé, Madison Ryan; one granddaughter, Rylee Elizabeth Feeney, all who reside in Uxbridge. Mike also leaves two sisters, Sandra Dingley and husband David of Northborough, Nancy Jean Feeney of Deltona, FL and one brother Bruce and his wife, Nancy of DeBary, FL; a brother-in-law, Norman MacLean of Hudson, MA ; former wife, Jennifer Feeney and stepson Bill Knowles of Uxbridge; several nieces and nephews whom he cared for deeply. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Alan and Edith (Wheeler) Feeney of Deltona, FL and three sisters, Patsy, Sherry and Cathy.
Mike loved the simple things in life like being outside, fishing, playing ball and reading the Sunday paper, but nothing brought him more joy than being a father. He happily took on the role of stepfather without hesitation. Later in life, he was excited to welcome his own son and enjoyed every minute of it! He and Zack spent many days together enjoying those simple things. Zack remembers lying in the grass together searching for four-leaf clovers in the summertime.
Mike taught Zack all of the different kinds of baseball pitches at a young age. Hours and hours were spent outside tossing the ball or making up fun games to play in the pool together. They shared that love of baseball throughout the years leading up to Zack being the captain and star pitcher of his high school baseball team. Mike proudly attended every game he could from T-ball through high school. Just when he thought that his heart was full, Zack surprised him with his first and only granddaughter. Mike was able to hold Rylee and reexperience Zack as an infant all over again.
Second only to his son, Mike cherished his family and enjoyed many holidays and milestones together. He made time to get together often with his sisters and their husbands that lived locally. Spending the last few years living with his sister Sandy, he got to experience his niece Jenny having a son of her own. Mike truly enjoyed spending time watching little Jason grow up. His love of all animals was not far behind either. Mike had several cats and dogs in his lifetime and once even had a pet baby chick named Maggie, who nearly pecked his eye out! He would joke that he understood animals better than humans.
Mike was a man of many artistic talents that included pencil drawings, poetry and antique collecting. And he will be forever remembered for his classic Elvis impersonations! Another one of these talents was his knack for decorating…especially Halloween decorating! For many years, he spent weeks creating the scariest, most realistic scenes at the house culminating in a huge Halloween party! These parties were legendary, and many looked forward to getting their invite year after year. One year, the Telegram and Gazette came to the house to inquire and photographed Zack and the decorated front porch – which made the front page! Mike couldn’t have been more proud.
However short, Mike lived a life full of love and laughter. He often mentioned his final wishes were to put a saying on his headstone: “Here lies Michael Feeney. He was an A–hole, but he was a likable A–hole!” Mike was the center of many memories we will cherish forever. We know his spirit will continue to live on through Zack and Rylee.
Following Michael’s wishes, all services at this time are private.
Arrangements are under the care of Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532.
To leave an online condolence or word of support for Mike’s family, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
