Michael W. Stein

“Have faith in the Universe”  Michael William Stein lost his courageous battle with leukemia on Friday, February 21, 2020, a day before his birthday.  Michael was adored by wife, Lea Stein.  He leaves behind his loving stepdaughter Lindsey Antonacci and her husband Michael, his father in law, Richard Don (wife Joyce Don, deceased), sister in law Judith Don, her husband Mitch Bayersdorfer and their daughter Rachel.  He leaves a son Dave Stein and grandchildren Matthew and Madeline. He was loved by his niece Debbie Kitz, nephew Marc & Nancy Kitz, their children Joe and Rose, nephews Jesse, Neal Stein and their children.

Michael was born on Presidents’ Day 1946 to David and Rae (Tannenbaum) Stein. He was the youngest sibling of three, having been pre-deceased by his oldest brother Harvey and his sister Marion. He graduated from Yeshiva University and shortly afterwards began his love of travel. He lived in St George, Virgin Islands, Salem, Ma, and Virginia. In his lifetime he held a myriad of jobs.  He crewed, bartended, ran residents’ homes, was a puppeteer, and finally worked as a case manager in the department of mental health in Springfield, Massachusetts.  For many years he was involved in greyhound rescue and today he will be missed by his dog Max.

After he retired, Michael became involved with volunteer work at Baystate Health.  He began with the No One Dies Alone program.  He assisted his wife with a Spanish speaking support group for caregivers where he proudly carried the nickname Miguelito.  He ultimately dedicated his energy to the Ace unit at Baystate (6A) where he was known as the Candyman. He made many cherished friendships throughout the hospital.  Michael was also an environmentalist, practiced yoga and followed the teachings of the Dalai Lama.

Michael and his wife wish to thank the following people who have supported him through the years; Mary Ellen Cressotti, Heidi and Jason Courtney, the entire staff on 6A Daly, the staff at the D’Amour Center, Dr. Loke, Liesbeth Tryzelaar, Liz Santos, Michelle Cabrera, Bunny and Gary Duckman, Emma Wanjiru, Van, Annie Yang, Ute Schmidt, and Ana Symington.

Thanks also go to Dana Farber.

Michael and his wife Lea felt so lucky to have had fourteen blissful years together.

Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure.

Visitation will be held from 6PM-7:30PM followed by a Celebration of Life on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA.  Visit www.nefcc.net