Michael “Mike” James Gaynor, 43, was born in on August 5, 1982 in Taunton, Massachusetts. He passed away suddenly on Saturday March 7, 2026. He was the son of Mark James Gaynor and Maria Gabriela Melim.
Mike was raised in the Taunton and Fall River area and also briefly lived in New Hampshire.
Mike was a phenomenal athlete in his youth. He carried a lifelong love of sports as an integral part of his identity. Mike found a special sense of purpose and meaning while giving it his all as an athlete. Whatever sport, whatever positon, and whatever team he was on; Mike Gaynor played with heart and soul and gave his 100% effort. Always!
Mike was an especially devoted fan of all Boston and New England sports teams. Mike’s year revolved around them. He cheered on the Patriots all through the fall and loved to see them go on post-season, during the winter he rooted for the Celtics and the Bruins and come springtime the Red Sox were Mike’s “Boys of Summer” all season long! Some of Mike’s best moments were attending games and cheering on his favorite teams. The crazy fan way up in the stands…..yeah, that was probably Mike Gaynor! Beyond the world of sports Mike enjoyed going to concerts and spending time with the people he loved most. Boy-oh-boy did Mike just love to rock it out!
Mike will be remembered for his kind heart, generous spirit and natural way he was always willing to help others. If you needed help you didn’t have to ask Mike Gaynor twice, he would stop whatever he was doing and help anyone, anytime, anywhere at the drop of a hat. That’s just how Mike was.
Those who knew Mike best will remember his warmth, his loyalty and the joy he found in being with family and friends. Mike’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His kindness, laughter and love for his family and friends will never be forgotten.
Mike shared a particularly special bond with his niece Lorelai Gaynor who was like a daughter to him and brought him immense pride and happiness.
In addition to his dad Mark and his mom Gabriela, Mike is survived by his heartbroken but ever-loving siblings Jillian Gillet and her husband Jay of Somerset, Cheryl Gaynor of Carver, Kevin Gaynor of Lakeville and Victoria Corcoran and her husband Christopher of Duxbury. Mike was the proud and loving uncle to Corey Gillet and Casey Gillet, Paige Figueroa, Lorelai Gaynor, Piper Figueroa, Penelope Figueroa, Christopher “CJ” Corcoran and Abagail Gaynor. Mike is also survived by his extended family on both the Gaynor and Meilm sides including many aunts and uncles and cousins.
Michael was the grandson of the late James Francis “Smiley” Gaynor and Shirley Ellen (Nelson) Gaynor and the late Luis Melim and Maria Alves Melim.
In accordance with the wishes of the family Mike will be laid to rest in a private service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Mike’s memory may be made to the Herren Project P.O. Box 131 Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Arrangements for Mike are in care of the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket.
www.menardfuneralhome.com