Natick mourns loss of police officer Michael Mabardy; fundraiser set up to support family

April 21, 2022 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The Natick Police Department this week announced the sudden passing of active duty Natick Police Officer Michael Mabardy, an 11-year veteran of the department who previously worked for the Nantucket police force.

(Updated 4/23/22, with funeral and visiting hours information below)

“Mike will be greatly missed by his friends and colleagues here as we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones at this tremendously sad and difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts,” the Natick Police Department wrote in a statement published on social media.

Natick Police Chief James Hicks spoke about Mabardy during this week’s Select Board meeting, calling him “committed and dedicated” to the town. A moment of silence at the meeting was done in honor of Mabardy and other public servants.

A fundraiser has been set up to support Mabardy’s family, including four young girls.

The Nantucket Police Department echoed sentiments from the Natick Police Department, and provided background on Mabardy’s early career in a social media post. “Mike began his policing career as a summer special in May of 2004. He went on to become a full-time police officer graduating from the police academy in June of 2007. While working for our department, he received several [commendations], including the Life Saving Award. Mike also served as a Field Training Officer as well as a member of the S.W.A.T team. He left our department to continue on his career in Natick in November 2011, a town in where he grew up. Mike made an impact while part of our Nantucket community by not only serving as a police officer but also as a hockey coach for the Nantucket High School. Mike was a great police officer and a great addition to the community, he was also a loving father and amazing friend. Mike will be truly missed.”

Mabardy, 39, collapsed while playing hockey in Marlborough on Tuesday, April 19, and could not be revived. The tragic situation generated an outpouring of condolences and tributes by those who were there or knew Mabardy as part of the hockey community.

Mabardy, known as “Mikey Mabs” online, was an active participant in online discussions locally, and known for offering help when needed.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Church, 44 East Central Street (Rt. 135), Natick on Monday, April 25 at 10am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment Private. Visiting hours on Sunday, April 24 from 3-7pm in the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St., Natick Common. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Education Fund, C/O Michael G. Mabardy, PO Box 6254 Natick, MA 01760.

We share our condolences with friends, family, and coworkers of Officer Mabardy.

Natick Catholic Community mourns Father MacEwen; Funeral service on Tuesday

March 21, 2022 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The Natick Catholic Community is remembering and mourning Father Michael MacEwen, who died last week after announcing a leave of absence the month before to address health issues.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our wonderful Pastor, Father Mike MacEwen. After a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, God called Father Mike home on Wednesday. We ask you to keep Father Mike and his family in your prayers. He will be missed dearly by the countless people he touched throughout his faithful life of over 35 years of priestly service. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon this good and holy man,” read a post by the Natick Catholic Community of St. Linus and St. Patrick.

Memorial Day observed at sites around Natick

May 31, 2021 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

A crowd of about 30 gathered under overcast skies in Natick to attend Memorial Day observances that started off with a flag raising ceremony at the Community Center.

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Participants then departed for Glenwood Cemetery via car parade to pay respects at St. Patrick’s Cemeteries. From there it was on to the Indian Burial Grounds, where a prayer service for Native American Revolutionary War Veteran Alexander Quapish was led by The Sons of the American Revolution, with participation by The Daughters of the American Revolution.

Natick Common ceremony marred

Services concluded at Natick Common.

Unfortunately, during that part of the observances an audience member moved to the front of the crowd and displayed a Confederate flag. Local news TV stations have flocked to Natick on this story.

In a statement, State Senator Becca Rausch and Natick Select Board Chair Karen Adelman-Foster said, “We are shocked, dismayed, and horrified that an audience member at this morning’s Memorial Day observance moved to the front of the crowd and displayed a Confederate flag. In doing so, this individual desecrated the Grand Army Civil War Memorial in Natick Center, the memories of all people who have fallen in defense of equality and freedom, and each and every person now fighting for meaningful anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion in our communities. While this individual acted on his own, we apologize to everyone hurt or harmed by this act. We condemn this act outright, and remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing our shared values of justice, equity, and freedom.”

Memorial Day 2021, Natick Community Center

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Natick mourns high school junior who died in car crash

March 7, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

Hundreds gathered at Natick High School on Sunday to mourn the death of junior Giovanni Taboh, who died after being thrown from a vehicle involved in a car crash on 93 South in Canton on Saturday night.

The 17-year-old Gio Taboh died after the Jeep he was a passenger in smashed into another car on an off ramp and rolled over.

“We are all devastated by the passing of Giovanni Taboh, a Junior at Natick High School,” Principal Brian Harrigan said in a message to the school community. “Gio was a fantastic human being loved by so many students and adults in our community.”

A WHDH-TV report includes remembrances from students who grew up with Taboh.

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to raise funds for funeral and medical expenses.

Condolences to Gio’s family and friends.

Police investigating death of women in her thirties in Natick

November 25, 2020 by Admin Leave a Comment

From the Middlesex District Attorney’s office, regarding a death investigation at Natick’s Avalon apartment complex at 1 Chrysler Rd.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Natick Chief of Police James Hicks have confirmed an ongoing death investigation at a residence in Chrysler Road in Natick.

On November 24, 2020, at approximately 3:52 pm, Natick Police and Fire responded to a 911 call for an unresponsive female at a residence in 1 Chrysler Road, Natick. Upon arrival, officers located a female victim in her thirties deceased in the home suffering from apparent trauma. The preliminary investigation suggests that this is not a random event and there is no threat to the public.

Additional updates will be provided when they become available.

This is an active and ongoing investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police assigned to that office, Natick Police Department and Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Unit.

The Natick Police Department posted on its Facebook page words of support to the public:

Please keep the victim and her family and friends in your thoughts as you prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday. We have no additional information at this time so please don’t call. The investigation is ongoing and suggests at this time that there is no threat to the public. Thank you.

More: WCVB-TV 5 report

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