Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Michael James O’Donoghue, age 71, a long-time resident of Wilmington, Massachusetts, passed away on August 23, 2026. Born on August 23, 1955, he was the son of the late F. James O’Donoghue and Joan (Kelley) O’Donoghue.
After graduating from Shawsheen Valley Vocational Technical High School, Michael proudly enlisted in the United States Navy at just 18 years old. When he completed his service in the Navy, he met his soon to be wife of 41 years, and in 1994 they purchased Michael’s childhood home in Wilmington and raised a family there.
Michael worked as an electrician and took on a variety of jobs before finding his way to what he considered his dream job with the National Park Service at the Charlestown Navy Shipyard. He had many accomplishments throughout his life. A proud Navy Veteran, he served as a volunteer firefighter, helping to fight forest fires in many states. He was an avid fisherman and lobsterman, grew the most beautiful sunflowers, and for a short but particularly “buzz-worthy” chapter of his life, was a beekeeper.
Some of Michael’s happiest times were spent in Scarborough, Maine, playing cribbage, sharing laughs, riding his motorcycle and making memories with those he loved. His incredible sense of humor, quick wit and unforgettable one-liners brought laughter to so many. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife Lauren (DeAngelo) O’Donoghue, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage; his daughter Emily Michaud and her husband Zachary of Wilmington; his son Joseph O’Donoghue and fiancé Kaleigh Dunn of Wilmington; and his beloved grandchildren, Adeline and Luke Michaud, who lovingly called him Papa. He is also survived by his siblings, Maureen O’Donoghue of Billerica; Kathleen Stone and her husband Kevin of Pepperell; James O’Donoghue of Winchester, New Hampshire; Laurie Rando and her husband Joseph of Menden; Michelle Lloyd and her husband Keith of Tewksbury; Brian O’Donoghue of Woburn; and Joanne O’Donoghue-Schmidt and her husband William of Lowell; as well as countless nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Thursday, September 3rd from 4:00-7:00 p.m. concluding with Military Honors and a Time of Remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the Boston National Historical Park, Charlestown Navy Yard, 21 Second Ave., Charlestown, MA 02129.
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