Michael Barrett Elefante, 81, of Westport and Winchester, Massachusetts, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, surrounded by his large, loving family. He was the loving husband of Louise (Sawyer) Elefante, with whom he shared over 42 years of marriage. He is also survived by his four children: Mark B. Elefante and wife Amy Selinger of Lexington, Massachusetts; Amy Elefante Bedi and husband Vivek of Westport, Connecticut; Peter S. Elefante and wife Erin of Hingham, Massachusetts; and Jeffrey P. Elefante and wife Liz of Charlestown, Massachusetts; two brothers: Jeffrey P. Elefante and wife Catherine Satterlee of Washington, D.C. and Carl Elefante and wife Adriana of Tacoma Park, Maryland; and nine grandchildren: Hannah, Julia, Sonali, Pooja, William, Blake, Christopher, Thomas, and Casey; along with many nieces and nephews.
Mike lived life fully and with grace and determination. Beyond his many professional accomplishments in his legal and fiduciary practice, Mike’s priority and great joy was his family (affectionately known as “the herd”), to whom he gave steady, unfaltering, unconditional love. Mike had a distinctive ability to engage with those around him intently and empathetically. A stoic man who was deep at the center, he had a twinkle in his eye, a booming voice, and a love of fun and adventure. Mike had a serious manner that made for a striking contrast with his infectious laugh and slapstick sense of humor. Mike loved to travel. His trips to Italy with the whole family were a particular source of joy, culminating in an early 80th birthday celebration in Tuscany. He had a beautiful relationship with his devoted wife Louise, with whom he shared many adventures. Their unwavering commitment to one another and trademark teamwork were sources of strength, particularly while navigating Mike’s life with Parkinson’s disease for over a decade.
Mike was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, eldest son of the late Michael A. and Jean L. (Harris) Elefante. He was raised in New Providence, New Jersey and lived in Winchester for many years prior to relocating to Westport. He graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University in 1965, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He was a member of the Law Review at Harvard Law School, from which he earned his J.D. magna cum laude in 1969. Mike spent his entire professional career at Hemenway & Barnes in Boston, where he provided steady guidance and friendship to countless colleagues and clients, ultimately serving as Managing Partner for six years. Greater Boston Legal Services was particularly important to Mike and he served on its Board of Directors for many years; he was especially proud to be involved in the purchase by GBLS of its own building to ensure reliable access to legal services for the least fortunate.
Mike loved Westport, a cherished family gathering place for over 40 years. There you could find him sitting on the Howland House porch, deep in conversation about politics, books, food, travel and life; playing with grandchildren on the beach; gracefully body surfing in the Atlantic; or playing nine holes at the Acoaxet Club. Having learned to play golf later in life, he was never satisfied with his game, but one good shot would elicit his signature grin and keep him coming back. An annual spring golf trip with family and friends was a source of legendary stories and endless laughter.
His big heart and loving nature were on display through his relationship with his many family pets over the years, especially his beloved dog Cosmo.
After retirement, Mike pursued his love of painting with gusto. He continuously sought to improve his craft, enrolling in classes at the Massachusetts College of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts. He took joy in using bright colors to bring life and a new perspective to his subjects. His passion for painting gave him a sense of purpose and contentment in retirement that was inspiring. Painting also became an avenue for creating community when Mike joined South Coast Artists. He exhibited locally and participated in the SCA Open Studio Tour in 2022, donating the proceeds from sales of his work to Our Sisters’ School in New Bedford.
With Mike’s passing our world has lost a bright light and gentle soul. He leaves a lasting legacy of love, grace, and joy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation, Greater Boston Legal Services, or Our Sisters’ School.
https://www.gbls.org/
https://www.michaeljfox.org/
https://www.oursistersschool.org/
A Celebration of Life will be planned for the fall.