1925 - 2024
WWII U.S. Marine Corps Visitation
August 2, 20244-7 P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex Street, N. Chelmsford
Funeral
August 3, 20249 A.M.
St. John the Evangelist Church, 115 Middlesex St., N. Chelmsford
Mr. Michael Moses Fantozzi, known simply as Pops, 98, of North Chelmsford MA died Friday morning, July 26, 2024 at his home after a period of declining health.
He was married to the love of his life Mary Choulakes Fantozzi who he married on September 11, 1954, and were married for 57 years until her passing on October 12, 2011.
Born in Lowell Ma on December 28, 1925, with his twin brother Nicholas Fantozzi, the son of the late Eugenio Fantozzi and Anna Marie Stabile of Italy. He received his honorary high school diploma from Chelmsford High School in 2008 as he enlisted before he could graduate.
All Five Fantozzi brothers served in WWII where Michael served as a U.S. Marine PFC. Known as Moe to his buddies in the service, Michael trained in South Carolina and was shipped to Beijing China where he served as a guard at a POW camp for 3 years. He loved being a Marine. Semper Fi.
After coming home from the service Michael was a wool sorter at Nichols Wool factory in North Chelmsford for 25 years. As a second job he did landscaping with Louie Zaher and bartended at The Paramount in Vinal Square. Michael worked as the head of shipping and receiving at Prince Packaging in Lowell Ma. for 25 years until his retirement. Wednesdays were and always have been Prince Spaghetti Day.
He is a lifelong honorary member of the American Legion A.W. Vinal Post 313 of North Chelmsford and a past member of the Chelmsford Elks and Stony Brook Fish and Game.
Michael loved duckpin bowling and as a child used to set up pins at the bowling alleys in Vinal Square. He was a semiprofessional duckpin bowler for many years going up and down the east coast bowling in tournaments with his nephew John DePalma. He also loved to play horseshoes and the Italian finger game Morra with family and friends. He loved to bet on the ponies, and you would find him and his brothers at Rockingham Park every Saturday afternoon. He was a season ticket holder with his grandson to the Lowell Golden Gloves, The Lowell Spinners, The Lowell Lock Monsters, and the UMass Lowell Riverhawks. He lived and breathed all the Boston sports teams and even in his 90’s would stay up until the early morning hours watching his Red Sox on the West Coast.
Michael was all about family and was the best brother, husband, dad, and grandfather you could ever ask for. If the garage door was open, it was a sign to come on in and say hello and to have a beer or two.
His favorite trip was in his 90’s when he went to Turks & Caicos, it was the first trip on a plane since he flew home from WWII.
He is survived by his grandson and caregiver Michael McGovern and their 3 dogs Bentley, Brady, and Beau. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late Patricia McGovern and the brother of the late Frederick Fantozzi, John Fantozzi, James Fantozzi, Nicholas Fantozzi, Antionette Bonura, Rose DePalma, Lena Cummings, and Doris Rita Leo.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Michael visiting hours will be Fri., Aug. 2, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral Sat., Aug. 3, 2024 at 8am from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass at 9am at St. John the Evangelist Church in N. Chelmsford. Burial in Fairview Cemetery, Chelmsford. Memorials may be made in his memory to the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Flr., Brookline, MA 02445. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com.
Bruce Harper
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Rest in Piece my friend I enjoyed many beers and bowling with you over the years.
Bruce Harper
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Rest in Peace 🙏
Jim Surdam
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My very deepest condolences to the entire family. Uncle Mike had a heart of gold. I enjoyed seeing him when I was up there in May. Rest in peace sir, love Jim.
Maria Ferreira
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Michael,your heart doesn’t beat anymore , but you will always be remembered as a wonderful man to me. It was a privilege to take care of you. You were always so thankful to me for every little thing I did for you, and you made me feel so special as if I was part of your family. You can assure that you will never be forgotten you were very special to me too and you left a positive mark on my life. Your departure left a lot of sadness in my heart and I will miss you infinitely, your memory will always be in my heart. Michael, my sweet man may you rest in peace in the arms of our father.
Michelle Fermin
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Pops was a man of great character and love. I’m blessed to have known him and honored that he took the time to get to know me and my kids. He will forever be remembered. Rest in eternal peace Pops. Xoxo Michelle
Paul LoPilato
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Pops you were the first person to greet me as a young man as you sat by the garage door and welcomed me the first time I came to visit Michael. You were equally as warm and kind as the years progressed. Your love and concern for your family was always evident. The relationship you and Michael share is admired and replicated accross all families. You will be very much missed.
Noreen Conway
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Mike a/k/a Pops,
You were truly a gentleman, a quiet and peaceful man. I enjoyed every visit. Whenever I think of “shallots” you pop into my mind. You tendered your family as you did your garden. Rest in Peace my friend.
Noreen @ Stonybrook PC
Skip Harrison
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Everyone called him Uncle Mike even those of us who were not related, so many funny stories about bowling him for many years.. RIP Uncle Mike !!
John simmons
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The world thanks you for your heroism. Rest easy Marine.🫡🇺🇸
John Simmons
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Rest easy Marine, the world thanks you for your heroism.🫡🇺🇸
Kevin M Boyle
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My deepest sympathy on all your loss. Uncle Mike was awesome.I know he’s up there bowling a strike.