Worcester—Michael P. Duggan passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the son of Charles and Sirkka M. (Hirst) Duggan. Mike leaves behind his loving wife Lucy (Macell) Duggan, two daughters Karen M. Lambert and her husband Ronald of Charlton and Tina A. Mascia of Spencer, two brothers Charles H. Duggan, Jr., of Greenfield MA, Thomas J. Duggan and wife Noreen of Attleboro; four sisters, Ann Cowell of Marion, Sirkka Duggan and Maura Duggan, both of Worcester, Christine Barbera and her husband David of Hubbardston,eight grandchildren —Nick, Heather, Laura, and Sara Lambert; Doug, Leia, and Kristen Haddad; and Jacquelyn Sadowski—and two great-grandchildren, Natalie Dumont and Anthony Marshall-Haddad.
Born in Fitchburg, Mike lived most of his life in Worcester, graduating from North High School. He received his degree in Philosophy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Mike served three years in the U.S. Army, honorably discharged as a Captain in 1971. A Special Forces Green Beret Officer, he was the SOG commando team leader of Recon Team Moccasin and saw considerable action behind enemy lines in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. He was awarded the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, and the Air Medal. After his missions were declassified, he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation in 1997.
Mike was very proud of his Irish and Finnish ancestry as well as his Worcester roots on Bell Hill. He was an adventurer who enjoyed rock climbing, scuba diving, flying small planes, sailing, and travel. He was an avid Patriots fan and season ticket holder for over 30 years. Mike was very close, caring, and attentive to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also leaves behind a multitude of loyal friends whose lives were forever changed for the better because of having met him.
A communicant at St. John’s on Temple Street, Michael was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Finnish Center at Saima Park, the Special Operatives Association, and the Special Forces Association – Trojan Horse Chapter 72.
Calling hours at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, will be held Friday, January 1, 2010, from 5-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held from Nordgren Memorial Chapel on Saturday, January 2, with a 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. John’s Church, 44 Temple Street. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.
Please omit flowers; donations may be made to the American Cancer Society and/or the charity of your choice. For directions and to leave an on-line condolence in Mike’s Guestbook, please click link below.