Michael J. Filgerleski

HOLDEN – Michael J. Filgerleski, 53, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, December 26, 2013, after a fifteen month courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Worcester and grew up in the town of Grafton, the son of Stanley J. and Dorothy E. (Walsh) Filgerleski.

Mike graduated from Grafton High School where he excelled in football, basketball and was a member of the State Championship Baseball Team prior to his graduation in 1978. During his college career he attended Westfield State College before graduating from Worcester State College in 1982, where he was a proud member of the National Club Football Championship Team.

After graduating from college, he began his 30 year career with United Parcel Service (UPS) where he attained a managerial position. In many respects, Mike was a discoverer and an inventor and he often pursued his many creative ideas as part of his entrepreneurial endeavors.

Mike was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle. He was a true friend with an engaging personality that drew you in and made you feel like you had a friend for life. One of Mike’s most notable attributes was his sense of being true to himself and he remained loyal to this creed throughout his life. He used all of his life’s experiences to instill in his children the value of family loyalty and the importance of a strong work ethic. Mike had an amazing circle of supportive and committed friends who never wavered and were always at his side.

During his courageous battle to overcome this dreaded disease, Mike never lost his competitive spirit. He will be forever remembered for his passion to succeed, regardless of the odds.

Mike leaves his beloved and devoted wife of 8 years, Tonia (Hamel) Filgerleski (“The best thing that ever happened to me!”); four children, Kimberly (Filgerleski) Vayssie and her husband, Travis of Irvine, CA, Brent Filgerleski of Webster, Cameron and Bailey Sweet both of Holden; his loyal and loving twin sister, Darlene (Filgerleski) DeCaire of Worcester; a brother, Mark Filgerleski and his wife, Lorene of Gilbertville; a niece Melissa Filgerleski; a nephew, Mark Filgerleski, Jr; a special niece, Vanessa (Filgerleski) Chaves and her husband Steven; and a very special aunt, Cecelia Dickman of Worcester. He also leaves several close cousins. Mike was predeceased by his father, Stanley Filgerleski, in 2000, and his mother, Dorothy (Walsh) Filgerleski, in 2009.

Mike will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and thanks to the exceptional and compassionate care of Dr. Vijay Kasturi and RN Sue McKenney at the UMass Ambulatory Care Cancer Center. Also, a special thank you to the VNA Hospice Nurses.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A private memorial service will be held on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Alliance, c/o UMass Medicine Development Office, 333 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

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