Michael Wilfred Trahan

SOUTHBRIDGE: Michael “Mikey” Wilfred Trahan, 76, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025, after a battle with lung cancer in Southbridge, MA.

Michael was born on August 28th, 1948, to Rene & Christina (Czyzewski) Trahan of Sturbridge, MA. He graduated from Tantasqua Regional High School in 1966. In his younger years, Michael enjoyed mountain climbing, fencing, playing high school football, and working at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft as an aircraft sheet metal worker or “skin man”.

He enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from November 1968 to October 1970. During his service, he specialized as a structural steel worker. He earned the Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service & Campaign Medals, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

 After his service, he married Teresa Moreo on September 4th, 1971, and they settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He had a successful career with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 103, as an operator of heavy equipment. His work with cranes and machinery supported countless building & infrastructure projects throughout the Northeast Indiana region. He was very skilled at this work, and he loved what he did. 

He was a skilled craftsman. He enjoyed making wooden toys and beautiful stained-glass artwork. His interests included football, NASCAR, food, working on the house, and taking care of the family’s horses including building a barn for them at one of their houses. He also traveled to Alaska to pursue an adventurous hobby in gold prospecting. In retirement, he lived in California and eventually returned to Massachusetts. He enjoyed tinkering, 3D printing and taking care of his sweet dog, Fluffy.

Michael is survived by his mother Christina (Czyzewski) Trahan and preceded in death by his father, Rene Trahan. He is survived by his wife Teresa (Moreo), and their five children living in Fort Wayne: Nikki (Andrew) Hicks, Kristen (Timothy) Kiefer, Cody (Kayla), Jason (fiancé, Jessica), and Michael Joseph Robert “Bobby”. He had four grandchildren: Madelynne Kiefer, Trevor Kiefer, Tobyn Kiefer, and Tucker Kiefer.

Michael is also survived by his brother Jonathan (Mary), and his two sisters Catharine (Timothy, deceased) Wentworth and Renee (William) Theodoropoulos. He had a nephew, Matthew (Melissa) Trahan, and six nieces: Danita (Edwin) Marcano, Kerri (Jonathan) Osimo, Heather (Scott) Alicea-Bailey, Sarah (Steven) Giroux, Nicole Theodoropoulos, and Alyssa (Kevin) Bochicchio. He had multiple great nieces and great nephews.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no viewing or funeral service. His cremation is coordinated through Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home in Southbridge, MA. 

Condolences may be shared directly with family members, and donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.