Obituary for Michael Laura
Of Medway, and formerly of New Jersey, died peacefully while in care at Stoneham on Saturday, March 18, 2023. He was 97 years old. Michael was born in Carteret, NJ to Czech emigres who met in the U.S., Michael and Maria (Kesselya) Laura, on September 20, 1925. He was raised in the Russian Orthodox, Eastern Rite tradition and ceremonially baptized at the Greek Catholic Church of St. Elias in Carteret.
Michael was the last surviving of his siblings: Jim, George, John and Mary. Michael was the youngest.
Before finishing High School, Michael distinguished himself with service to his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. He served from 1943 to 1948. He was a Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class and served mostly on Minesweepers in the Atlantic and Pacific.
After his honorable discharge , Michael completed High School and attended Rutgers University where he earned his Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. He was employed by various international Engineer Design and Construction firms in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East, and he served as the Director of Public Works in Gilford, NH.
Michael was very active with the Masons, first joining the Lafayette Lodge No. 27 of Rahway, NJ in 1955. He was also a member at the Charles River Lodge, Medway, MA, the Scottish Rite, 32nd degree, and he was a member of the Shriners, Aleppo Temple, MA.
In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, fly tying and cooking. He was known for his cheesecake recipes.
Michael was sadly predeceased by his wife Nancy Laura, but is survived by his 3 sons Richard of Massachusetts, Michael of New Hampshire, William of Rhode Island and his step daughters Nancy Drourr and Lauren Miller of Florida, Wendy Copes and Leslie Copes of Massachusetts. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A private burial is scheduled for a later date.
Memorial donations in remembrance of Michael would be greatly appreciated at the “Charles River Lodge”, 37 Cottage Street, Medway, MA 02053.
Michael was the last surviving of his siblings: Jim, George, John and Mary. Michael was the youngest.
Before finishing High School, Michael distinguished himself with service to his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. He served from 1943 to 1948. He was a Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class and served mostly on Minesweepers in the Atlantic and Pacific.
After his honorable discharge , Michael completed High School and attended Rutgers University where he earned his Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. He was employed by various international Engineer Design and Construction firms in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East, and he served as the Director of Public Works in Gilford, NH.
Michael was very active with the Masons, first joining the Lafayette Lodge No. 27 of Rahway, NJ in 1955. He was also a member at the Charles River Lodge, Medway, MA, the Scottish Rite, 32nd degree, and he was a member of the Shriners, Aleppo Temple, MA.
In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, fly tying and cooking. He was known for his cheesecake recipes.
Michael was sadly predeceased by his wife Nancy Laura, but is survived by his 3 sons Richard of Massachusetts, Michael of New Hampshire, William of Rhode Island and his step daughters Nancy Drourr and Lauren Miller of Florida, Wendy Copes and Leslie Copes of Massachusetts. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A private burial is scheduled for a later date.
Memorial donations in remembrance of Michael would be greatly appreciated at the “Charles River Lodge”, 37 Cottage Street, Medway, MA 02053.