Michael J. Cedorchuk of Tewksbury and Florida, formerly of Charlestown died unexpectedly on June 9, 2024 after a courageous battle with leukemia. Michael was born in Boston in 1948, son of the late Stephen Cedorchuk and Julia (Leahy) Cedorchuk of Charlestown. Michael attended Boston Technical High School where he was a prominent hockey player, continuing his education at Boston State College. Michael served in the National Guard and in 1972 Michael joined the Boston Fire Department. He fought the Vendom Fire, the Pier Fire in Charlestown where many brother firefighters lost their lives. On April 1, 1978 Michael was detailed to Aerial Tower 1 responding to Box 1541 for a fire at Tremont and Dartmouth Streets. Upon reaching the building Michael began searching on his hands and knees and found an elderly man unconscious on the floor and carried him from the apartment. Michael received a commendation from the Fire Commissioner for this rescue. Michael retired a proud veteran of the Boston Fire Department after over 32 years of devoted service.
Michael's passion for hockey led him to several years of coaching at Tewksbury High School and later at Central Catholic High School taking the team to the Boston Garden. Michael was a member of Boston Fire Fighters Local 718; the Halligan Club; the Knights of Columbus; the Elks Lodge and the 520 Club in Charlestown.
Michael loved spending time with his family. He was very proud of his three sons, Michael, Kevin and Shawn, and all of their accomplishments as well as the many accomplishments of his grandchildren. Michael enjoyed spending time with his many friends from all walks of life, his annual trip to Myrtle Beach with his brother and his lifelong friends from Charlestown and Tewksbury.
His retirement years took him to Estero, Florida where he worked at Miromar Lakes Beach and Golf Club. He enjoyed golfing and spending time with his friends in Florida where he was known to everyone as “Pops”. He was known for telling his fire stories and as a great guy who was loved by all.
Michael is survived by his wife Diane (Cowin) Cedorchuk of Tewksbury; his son Michael and his wife Tanya of Lowell; his son Kevin and his wife Renee of Hingham; and his son Shawn and his wife Kristin of Estero, Florida. Michael is also survived by his 5 granddaughters, Ashley, Kailey, Juliana, Maggie and Molly, his grandson Justin Smith and his two great grandchildren Julian and Eliana; his brother Steve and his wife Mary and his brother Paul and wife Jess along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Michael's Funeral Mass on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 10 A.M. in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown. His burial will be private. There are no funeral home visiting hours.
Immediately following Michael's Funeral Mass his family extends a warm invitation to everyone for a celebration of his life at The Knights of Columbus, 545 Medford St. in Charlestown.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Michael's name to:
Boston Firefighters Local #718 Death and Welfare Fund
55 Hallet St.
Dorchester, MA 02124