Michael K. Darcy

HARRISON — Michael Kevin Darcy, 67, of Harrison, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018, after a brave battle with gallbladder cancer.

Michael was born in Boston, Mass., on Dec. 4, 1950. He was given up for adoption but chosen by his parents, Martin and Eileen Darcy, of Lynn, Mass. He grew up poor, which greatly influenced the course of his life and inspired him to help people throughout his life and career. He was a police officer, state judicial marshal, served eight years on the Governor’s Council under John McKernan for substance abuse, as well as six years on the Substance Abuse State Licensing Board. He worked in the substance abuse field at Mercy Hospital, Jackson Brook Hospital, and was executive director of the Fellowship House Detox Shelter in Auburn, devoting many years to helping others overcome their own personal struggles.

Michael attended St. Mary’s Schools in Lynn, and later UPEI in Canada. He went on to the University of Maine, Farmington, and graduated with a degree in Special Education and Psychology, with honors. From there he went to the University of Connecticut Graduate School, and received a Masters in Social Work with high honors. He also graduated from MCJA Reserve Officer Program in 1989 and the Police Academy in 1996. He was a member of Knights of Columbus #11376 in Bridgton and, in recent years, became a Secular Franciscan with the Sower of the Word Fraternity after returning from a spiritual journey to Assisi, Italy. He was especially drawn to St. Francis through the 11th step prayer that he practiced for 37 years since 1981.

Michael married Ruth Brewer of Beverly, Mass., in 1974. The following year they moved to Maine with plans to buy land, build a log cabin, and raise a family in Harrison. Michael is survived by his lifelong partner, Ruth; and his three children, daughter Christie Kimball and husband Michael Kimball of Windham, daughter Mary Darcy and partner Dan Blasi of Bristol, Conn., and son Daniel Darcy and partner Jen Sheehy of Worcester, Mass.

Michael felt his greatest accomplishment was being a father and his children were his greatest joy. He was extremely proud that both daughters followed in their mother’s footsteps to become nurses, and his son for following his many passions. Michael’s family also grew this past summer when he finally discovered his birth father through DNA analysis. The discovery included four amazing half-sisters who immediately felt a strong bond with him. Several sibling reunions took place throughout the summer that meant a great deal to him and his family during his illness.

After his family, Michael was a lover of animals, in particular his adopted German Shepherd Maggie. She was faithful to him until his last days, not leaving his side throughout his entire illness. Michael was an avid sports fan, supporting all his New England sports teams, especially the Red Sox, which he followed closely. He also loved coaching his children in their own youth sports teams. Gardening, boating, hiking, and family time at Popham Beach were some of his favorite activities.

Michael would like to give a special thanks to CMMC, MMC, Beacon Hospice, and all the wonderful doctors and nurses for their kindness, compassion, and care that did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. A special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Ann Marie Pond and Dr. Nicholette Erickson, two individuals who define what a doctor is and should be.

Michael was remembered during a time of memorial visitation from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 21, at the Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 8 Elm St., Bridgton, and a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial which was celebrated at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 22, at Saint Joseph Church, 225 South High St., Bridgton. Michael will be buried in private by family and a few close friends on his family plot on his hilltop view of heaven. In lieu of flowers, anyone may make a charitable donation to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or the Sahara Club in Portland, ME. Tributes may be shared with Michael’s family and friends at www.chandlerfunerals.com.