WORCESTER-Michael “Mugsy” W. Moran, 61 of Worcester, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 5th after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family. Michael is survived by his beloved daughter, Margaret E. “Maggie” Moran of Fitchburg, a niece, Kathleen A. Ranaghan and great niece, Kayla Ranaghan, both of Worcester. He also leaves many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Anne Marie Azier and Mary C. Moran.
Michael was born in Worcester, son of the late Francis and Eleanor (Shugrue) Moran. He graduated from St. John’s High School, where he was the recipient of the Pioneer Award, attended both Quinsigamond Community College and Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Playing baseball was a major part of Michael’s life throughout high school, college and after college. He was an All- City, All- Star Athlete from 1970 until 1974, played in the National Junior College World Series while attending QCC and played for a minor league baseball team based in Grand Junction, Colorado in 1978 and 1979.
Michael was a Corrections Officer for the Massachusetts Department of Corrections for twenty- six years, retiring from Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center as a lieutenant in 2012. Prior to that, he worked for the City of Worcester Department of Public Works. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Angels Church. Physical fitness was very important to Michael, as he exercised and went to the gym every day. He loved watching and playing sports, especially baseball and golf. He could always be found watching games at his alma mater, St. John’s. Michael loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed his many summers at Old Orchard Beach. As his numerous cousins could attest, Michael’s unwavering loyalty, infectious laugh and pride in his Irish heritage have made a lasting impression on all who knew him. As his family and numerous friends knew, the center of Michael’s life was his daughter, Maggie. The times they spent together were the most important moments of Michael’s life, and his pride in her as a student, a dancer and a daughter knew no bounds.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, August 9th from CALLAHAN FAY & CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery. Visiting hours are Monday, August 8th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.