It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas "Mike" Owens announces his passing on March 22, 2023, in the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, at the age of 82. For nearly 20 years, Mike bravely battled Parkinson's disease, during which he demonstrated persistence and courage to continue his daily life. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elizabeth "Betty" (Vayo) Owens; his son, Patrick Owens, and his wife, Catherine of Seabrook, NH; his daughter, Michelle Owens of Milford, MA; his two grandchildren, Kelly Marsocci, and her husband, Anthony, and Michael Owens; his great-granddaughter, Madison Marsocci; his brother, Edward Owens, and his wife, Virginia; his sister-in-law, Judith Wheelden; his sister-in-law, Diane Hagan; his sister-in-law, Sharon Williams, and her husband, David; and many nephews and nieces, including Heather Ferguson whose care and compassion provided to her uncle were exemplary.
Mike was born in Worcester, the son of Thomas D. and Martha A. (Manski) Owens. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from WPI and an MBA from Clark University. Mike proudly served in the United States Army (Signal Corps) and attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant. His duties brought him as far as Korea and as close to home as the Air Defense Artillery unit (NIKE missiles) in Pennsylvania. During his civilian life, he was employed by the Norton Company and later worked for the Digital Corporation before retiring early to pursue various independent consulting opportunities. As an avid golfer, he spent many days on the greens at Cohasse Country Club. Mike was an ardent New England Sports fan of all four major teams and thoroughly enjoyed attending games in person as well as watching them live on television. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
The memorial service for Mike will be held on Wednesday, April 5, at 11:00 a.m. in O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester. Burial to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Webster. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service in the funeral home on the day of the memorial service. To celebrate his life and passion for the golfing sport, the family is requesting all attendees dress in golf attire.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Thomas "Mike" Owens to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 2174, or online at https://www.michaeljfox.org/tribute or to support patient care at VNA Care, Fund Development, Rosewood Drive, Suite 180, Danvers, MA 01923, or online at www.vnacare.org.