Michael F. Fanning

HOLDEN - Michael F. Fanning, age 50, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023 at his home in Holden. Born in Holden, he was the son of the late Francis P. and Janice M. (Lyra) Fanning.

Mike was raised in Paxton, graduating from Wachusett Regional High School with the class of 1990. After graduation, he focused his career towards being a machinist. He took various classes at Worcester Boys Trade where he built on his already existing talent. He went on to work at the former Martin Tool in Hubbardston, then at Overlook Farm as a mechanic before working as the head mechanic at Forward Enterprise in Oakham for the last 20 years.

He always had a great time hanging at his best friend Andy’s garage. Mike was sentimental, a perfectionist, and very meticulous. He was able to figure out difficult tasks very quickly when it came to anything to do with metals, machinery and vehicles.

As everyone knew, Mike had a passion for Chevrolet trucks. He loved the old vehicles and found great pleasure working on them. He further enjoyed tractor pulling, snowmobiling, and racing cars with his dad.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Janine; step-children, Randy, Katelynn, and Kourtney; a brother, Jason Fanning of North Brookfield; a sister, Bethany Fanning and her fiancé, Scott Peterson of Rutland; a niece, Lillian DeLaurie; his step-mother, Virginia Fanning; 8 step-grandchildren, Jaelynn, Riley, Hayley, Kayden, Jayce, Blake, Taylor, and Kinzley; an uncle, Jay O’Day; and an aunt, Juanita and her husband, Bryan Hayward, as well as 4 cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mike’s family from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, February 20, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to UMass Chan Cancer Center online at www.umassmed.edu/cancer-center/ways-to-give/ .

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