Michael A. Graveline

Dudley, MA – Michael A Graveline, 60, passed away peacefully on January 31^st surrounded by loved ones at UMASS Memorial after a long and hard battle against AML Leukemia.

Michael was born in Putnam, CT on August 30, 1960, son of Eleanor (Duval) Montgomery of Webster, MA and Melvin Graveline (deceased). Michael was a devoted husband and father with the most genuine and kind heart. He worked previously at American Standard as a glazer in the finishing department and also a short time as a machinist. He had achieved his pastoral certification and passionately used that to visit the Rhode Island Veterans Hospital to counsel with veterans and bring them comfort. He was an excellent listener and he had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. Michael enjoyed the outdoors and whenever the opportunity arose he could be found out for a ride on his Harley Davidson, fishing or just enjoying the company of his friends and family while being on the back deck. He was an avid animal lover, pet owner, and a dog whisperer in his own right. Michael loved all sports especially his Red Sox and Patriots while enjoying a good wine cigar and a Bud Light Orange. He lived life to the fullest with simple pleasures.

Michael is survived by his best friend and companion of 21 years, Debra Pinkham of Dudley, MA; step daughter Candace Murphy of Dudley, MA; step daughter Caitlin Hanlon and her husband Mathew of Maine; step father Robert Montgomery of Norwich, CT; sister Maria Dubey, her husband Dwayne and their children Kylie, and Cole of Webster, MA; step brother David Atsales and his husband William Kelleher of Hampden, MA; step sister Stacia Atsales-Haggett of S. Rygate, VT. and her children Jonathan Haggett, Travis Hagget and Nick Chase of Planfield, CT; his niece Heather Graveline, her husband Lee Parker and their children Xavier and Thayden Parker of Canterbury, CT. He was pre-decased by his brother, Joseph Graveline of Brooklyn, CT.

Michael was very proud of his Native American heritage and kept this statement close to his heart:

            There is an ancient belief that Native American Indians once possessed the ability to metamorphosize into various animals in order to overcome extreme adversity. The Guardian depicts a metamorphosis from man to bear. The Bear, a powerful symbol to Native Americans is an agent of healing as well as a symbol of leadership.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the UMASS Oncology and BMT Unit for the wonderful care extended to Michael during his treatment, as well as his special chemo nurse Leah Ferro and his primary care physician Dr. Puchta Murthy of Reliant Medical Care.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later time by the family. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the ASPCA.

The Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.  A guest book is available at www.shaw-majercik.com where you may offer condolences, share a fond memory, or light a candle in remembrance of Michael.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael A. Graveline, please visit our floral store.