METHUEN - Michael T. Giarrusso, 59 of Methuen and retired Lawrence Firefighter passed away Thursday June 26, 2014 at the Massachusetts General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his family and close friends.
Born in Methuen, MA, Michael was the son of Louis and Helen (Fitzpatrick) Giarrusso and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School. For 33 years Michael was a Firefighter with the City of Lawrence, was awarded Firefighter of the year for 3 years, a member of the Firefighters Local Union #146, a member of the Firefighters Reliefs Inn and was a communicant of St. Monica's Church in Methuen.
Michael leaves his loving wife, Paula J. (O'Connell) Giarrusso of Methuen, MA. He is also survived by his mother Helen (Fitzpatrick) Giarrusso also of Methuen, and his children, Michael Giarrusso and his wife Kristine of Windham, NH, James Giarrusso and his wife Elizabeth of Hampstead, NH, Jenny Giarrusso and Steven Giarrusso and his significant other Kylie Johnson of Methuen, MA; one sister Linda Giarrusso also of Methuen, MA.
Grandchildren, Quinn, Garrity and Tyler Giarrusso.
Mother-in-law Caryl O'Connell of Methuen, MA; sister-in-law, Debra O'Connell of Haverhill, MA and Joan O'Connell of Shrewsbury, MA.
Brother-in-law and sister-in-law Stephen and Gina O' Connell of Glastonbury, CT and an aunt, Shirley Perzechino of Salem, NH.
Michael was the son of the late Louis Giarrusso and the son-in-law of the late Vincent "Tippy" P. O'Connell.
Michael's family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff of the Massachusetts General Hospital for all their care and comfort to Michael during his illness.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorials can be made in Michael's name to the Massachusetts General Hospital ATTN: Sarcoma Unit 55 Fruit St. Boston, MA 02114. Visiting hours for family and friends will be Sunday from 2:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc., 233 Lawrence Street Methuen, MA 01844. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 9:00a.m. in St. Monica's Church in Methuen, MA with burial to follow in the Elmwood Cemetery also in Methuen. For directions or to send online condolences please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com
The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to assist the Giarrusso Family with the arrangements.