Michael E. Phayre, 59, of Lawnacre Drive, Greenville, died Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Barbara A. (Contillo) Phayre.
Besides his wife he is survived by his daughter, Katharine A. Lemieux of Boston, his son, Sean P. Phayre of Greenville, his sister, Kerry E. Phayre of Worcester and his brother, David P. Phayre and his wife, Maryanne Hanick of Cranston as well as his large network of friends.
Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Robert E. and Sandra A. (Smith) Phayre. He had lived in Cranston before moving to Smithfield.
Mike was a manager for L. Sweet Lumber for 30 years. He was a 1976 graduate of LaSalle Academy and Norwich University, Class of 1980. Mike was an avid runner and golfer but his true passion was hockey. He was a member of the Thursday night hockey league at Brown University, Sunday Night Hockey league at Smithfield Ice Rink and Smithfield Men’s Softball League. He was appointed to the Board of Canvasses for 3, 20 minute periods. Mike was one goal shy of 1000 goals.
The family would like to especially thank Mike’s doctor, James N. Butera and his colleagues and all the nurses and staff on the 8th floor of RI Hospital for their care and compassion during Mike’s 15-month battle with leukemia. Some staff describe Mike as a “Man of Steel” while his doctor said he had a “ferocious heart”.
Mike’s Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday at 10am in St. Michael’s Church, 80 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917. Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 2-8pm in Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to St. Michael’s Church or Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904