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Michael J. Mantenuto, 35

By contributor,
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Michael J. Mantenuto, 35, passed away Monday, April 24, 2017. Born in Natick, MA, he was the son of Kerry Barton Lee of Lunenburg, MA and formerly Hopkinton, MA and Edward Mantenuto of Holliston, MA and was married to Kati Vienneau of Fort Lewis, WA and Medford, MA. They had two children Ava and Leo. Michael is survived by three sisters, and their families; Katie Mantenuto and Will Thomas, and son Andrew of Lunenburg, Meggan Mantenuto Hope, Dave Hope and their children Lily and Landon, and Lauren Mantenuto of Boulder, CO. Michael also leaves behind two aunts, several cousins and their families.

Michael’s life was far too short, but in his 35 years, he lived BIG and he lived fully! Starting at age 3, his father put him on ice skates, and from then on hockey remained an important part of his life. From youth hockey to elite teams, to Holliston High School, Univ of Maine, and finally to coaching his son, Leo, in youth hockey when Mike was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. Besides hockey, Mike went on to be chosen to play the role of Jack O’Callahan, in the Disney movie’s production of “Miracle”, chronicling the unprecedented event of the Americans beating the Russians in the 1980 Olympics. Mike then spent a couple of years in the “Hollywood” scene exploring acting options, but that was not to be. He went on to enlist in the Army and became part of the Special Forces as a Green Beret. Ultimately, what gave Mike the most inner satisfaction and passion was devoting his life to helping other soldiers who struggled with mental health, PTSD, and addiction issues.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 4th from 4:00-8:00p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. (Rt. 16) www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com. A gathering to celebrate Michael’s life will take place on Friday, May 5th from 12:30-4:00p.m at the Crystal Room, 49 Cedar St. (Rt. 85) in Milford with a memorial service, followed by a light luncheon and closing with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donation information will be forthcoming.