Michael Kane

Biography

Michael J. Kane, a resident of Monson since 1964 passed away at his home on May 2. Born in Ludlow to the late Bernard and Marcella Kane of Indian Orchard, He is survived by his loving partner Terry O'Connor of Monson, his three children Michael B. Kane and wife Kathleen of Durham CT, Sean E. Kane and wife Susan of Rehoboth, MA and Heather A. Owen and husband Matthew of Orlando, FL and his five grandchildren, Jake, Ian, Seamus, Brenden and Marie Kane.

Michael was married to Maureen Brown Kane for 37 years, who passed away tragically in 2001.

Michael was an educator and coach who started his career as a teacher in Monson in 1961. In 1969 He became the Vice Principal at the Monson Jr. / Sr. High school and the Principal in 1981, retiring in 1998. Michael was actively involved in athletics at the regional and state level and served as the District F Chairman of athletics for many years and the chair of the state basketball committee for 16 years. He also served on the state athletic rules committee and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletics Association (MIAA) board of directors. Since his retirement he has worked for the MIAA as the state-wide wellness coordinator and most recently as Director of Student Services.

Michael was responsible for establishing the Monson Boosters Association and the town's scholarship fun. He served on the Town Conservation Committee, the town Scholarship Committee, and the Monson School Committee. Michael was a past president of the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association and the first recipient of the MSAA Administrator of the Year for a Vice Principal and the recipient of many prestigious awards for his service to the community, among them the Monson Rotary Club's Citizen of the Year, MIAA Distinguished Service Award, Sherman Kinney Award, Larry Briggs Award, Harold "Kid" Gore Award, and the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association Presidents Award.

Family and friends are invited for visitation on Wednesday May 5 from 4:00 to 8:00 at Lombard Funeral Home at 3 Bridge Street, Monson. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick's Church, 22 Green Street, Monson at 10:00 am May 6 followed by a burial at St. Michaels in Springfield. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Monson Scholarship Fund PO Box 31 Monson, MA 01057.