Michael P. Trabucco, age 56, of Arlington, formerly of Winchester, passed away on August 20, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Rob Mannke.
Born in Winchester, Michael was the son of the late Domenic A. and Bettina “Betty” C. (Troiani) Trabucco. He was raised and educated in Winchester and was a graduate of Winchester High School with the class of 1982. He attended Keene State College and received his B.S. Degree in Graphic Design, and then obtained his Master’s Degree in Expressive Arts Therapy from Lesley University. Creative, intelligent and articulate, Michael was employed as an Expressive Therapist for many years.
Michael was a man of very distinct and sharp traits. He was continuously immersed in the performing arts throughout his life, starting with Winchester school productions and carrying through to many performances with local theatre clubs such as the Newton Country Players, the Footlight Club, the Belmont Dramatics, Lexington Players and more. Slender but with a voice twice in size, he contributed his talents to many roles in “Two By Two”, “The Secret Garden”, “Sweeney Todd”, “Evita”, “My Fair Lady”, “Fiddler On The Roof”, “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown”, “Joseph And The Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “The Assassins”, “Forever Plaid” and "Cabaret" (requiring his mother to cover his young niece's eyes!). Off stage, he directed performances of "The Bad Seed” and “The Heiress” for the Belmont Dramatic Club.
Music was central to his life. He constantly surrounded himself with it in every form. With simple ease he could recount where a song originated and associate its performers.
Michael was a talented artist also. Drawing came very naturally to him from an early age. It lead to his studying design in college and ultimately became a tool he applied to assisting youths at his many years working at McLean Hospital. At home, and to whomever might ask his advice, Michael was incredibly gifted in design. Once he developed a vision, he'd follow it through without doubt, and leave his friends and family in awe of the results.
Anyone around Michael knew that he liked what he liked, was straightforward in his opinions, and the details were not to be forgotten. He was always determined to maintain his many friendships and connections that he had garnered along his life. A listener to whomever needed support, a guardian of family tradition and a most eager fan of Christmas. Michael was the hub through which many events occurred, and for which his family and friends are indebted for enriching all our lives.
In addition to his husband, Rob Mannke, Michael is lovingly survived by his siblings: Karen LaCava and husband, Jack, of Reading, Rick Trabucco and husband, Nestor Carrillo, of New York, NY, Paul Bennett and wife, Carole, of Acton. He also leaves behind his rescue Jack Russell Terrier Mix “Bates”. He was predeceased by his parents, Domenic A. and Bettina C. Trabucco.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours on Wed., August 25 from 4-8PM, and again on Thursday at 9AM followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Winchester , at 10AM. Please wear masks and practice social distancing. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s name may be made to the Sterling Animal Shelter, Inc., 17 Laurelwood Rd., Sterling, MA 01564 www.sterlingrescue.org or to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849158, Boston, MA 02284-9168 https://www.dfci.org