Police Sgt. Michael A. Towner

RUTLAND – Worcester Police Sgt. Michael A. Towner, 58, of Rutland, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 in Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston after an illness.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ellen M. (Looney) Towner; a daughter, Kerri E. Towner of Rutland; a son, Patrick M. Towner and his fiancée Erin Costedio of Marlboro; two brothers, Bruce Towner and his wife Natalie and Jeffrey Towner; a sister, Debra McDonald; and many nieces and nephews. His brother, Worcester Police Sgt. Dennis Towner, died on February 5, 2009. He is also predeceased by his half- brother Stephen Neale. He was born and raised in Worcester the son of Wayne and Rosemary (Wood) Towner and lived in Worcester before moving to Rutland in 1993.

Mike graduated from Burncoat Senior High School in Worcester and received both his Bachelor of Science and Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. After serving in the U.S. Marine Reserves in 1976, he joined the Worcester Police Department as a patrolman and was promoted to sergeant in 1984. He later worked in the Homicide Division of the Detective Bureau where he was a supervisor before joining the Off -Duty Assignment Department in 2003. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, golfing, and spending time with his family and many friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 13th in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery, Main Street (Rte. 122A), Rutland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com