Michael D’wayne Small, 63, a longtime Tewksbury resident, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at home after a brief battle with cancer, with his family by his side. He was the husband of Rosario (Dajay) Small with whom he has shared over 30 years of marriage.
A son of the late Larry Small and the late Patricia (Nunnery) Small, he was born on January 30, 1960 in Norfolk, Virginia. He was raised and educated in various areas, being brought up in a military family that moved around the East Coast.
Mike eventually graduated from Southview High School in Hope Mills, NC and joined the United States Army. After a short time in the Army, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country for the next 30 years. His military service brought him all over the world. He was a career Navy man, serving 20 years on active duty and 10 years in the Naval reserves, retiring as a Petty Officer. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, fishing, gardening his favorite flower and taking walks in nature.
Besides his beloved wife of over 30 years, Rosario, he is survived by his children, Ina Flynn and her husband, Mack of Nashua, NH, William Small and his wife, Emily Lefrancois, of Tewksbury, his siblings, Wesley Small of South Carolina, Sonja Rhea of Georgia, Michelle Clancy of South Carolina, Edward Small and his wife, Cid, of Florida, Stephanie Darden and her husband, Scott, of South Carolina and many nieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered as a caretaker, provider, and protector by those he loved.
On Saturday, December 9, 2023 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 2 - 5 p.m. and his funeral service at 5 p.m.
at the Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA - 978-851-2061. Please find us on Facebook or use our website to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.
At the request of the family, please consider a memorial donation in his name to: The Disabled American Veterans at help.dav.org at any time.