More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.
Joseph Indresano, a familiar name in the area from his well-known landscaping business and involvement in community activities, passed away at the age of 80 on July 17.
Services for the Natick resident will be held in his hometown of Mirabella Eclano, Avellino, Italy.
Natick on Monday celebrated the life of Brett Conaway inside a crowded Natick High School auditorium, where family and friends addressed community members in the wake of the Army National Guard Colonel and retired Natick Police sergeant’s unexpected death (see video of ceremony embedded below). Conaway died on June 29 at the age of 52.
Conaway, who grew up in town and graduated from the high school, went on to become a second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps and served as a Citizen-Soldier in the Army National Guard for over 30 years. He earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Providence College.
Conaway’s family and friends spoke at the event, talking about his personality and love for service. (See photo gallery from MetroWest Daily News.)
Rodney Dailey described his friend as “a good man, good husband, and with a heart for service.” He said that “Brett loved people, he loved serving people,” and that “we must carry his love for service.”
Pat Conaway described his son as “always willing to build a bridge. He listened, he cared.” The elder Conaway recalled “his strength, his patience, his commitment to the great American experiment, as he called it.”
Conaway’s sister, Miriam Morrison, fondly remembered how “instead of doing his homework, [Brett] would gaze adoringly into the mirror and flex his biceps,” while bemoaning how difficult it was to grow up with a brother who was aware of his own good looks.
The sudden loss of this Natick has been indescribably hard for those close to him, but Morrison and others tried to focus on what made Conaway so special to them and the community.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Monday, July 11, the day of interment, in honor of Massachusetts Army National Guard Colonel Brett Patrick Conaway, of Natick, who passed away on June 29.
Colonel Conaway, Massachusetts Army National Guard, HHD Joint Forces Headquarters, will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with military honors at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
A Celebration of Conaway’s Life will take place on Monday, July 11 at 4pm in the Natick High School Auditorium, 15 West Street, Natick. The family asks that attendees wear red, white, or blue or a hint of these colors.
He was born in Boston, MA, to Pat and Jane Conaway on January 21, 1970, and raised in Natick, MA. Growing up, Brett was a scout, played baseball, basketball, and football, and spent much time with his beloved Carney family aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. His childhood included multiple adventures, including many trips across the country to see his extended and inspiring Conaway clan. His family was everything to him. A proud graduate of Natick High School in 1988, Brett was captain of the football team, a member of the track team, vice president of his class, and leader and friend for all. He began his college experience at Roger Williams College, then continued to Stonehill College, where he got his BA in political science. Brett developed a love for student affairs through his work in residence life and began his professional career as a Residence Director. At that time, he received a MA in guidance and counseling at Providence College. Early in his career, he carried out his commitment to service in his work at Woodtrail Camp, Job Corps, and Street Peace. Brett was commissioned in 1992 as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps and served as a Citizen-Soldier in the Army National Guard for over 30 years. His key assignments included command of the 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (Yankee), 211th Military Police Battalion (First Corps of Cadets), and 772nd Military Police Company. Brett mobilized for overseas combat service twice, deploying to Iraq in 2002 and 2009. His military awards included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Combat Action Badge.
After his first deployment, Brett joined the Natick Police Department. Deeply committed to the tenets of law enforcement and public safety, Brett proudly retired as a sergeant for the town he loved so dearly. When he wasn’t working, Brett adored being with his family and friends– coaching and volunteering in many organizations. He especially loved his work with the Veteran Association of the First Corps of Cadets and The Rotary Club of Natick. Brett poured his heart and soul into everything he pursued. He approached his professional and personal life with a fierce passion and vision. Whether championing those he loved, offering a helping hand, or savoring good drinks and food, Brett lived his life robustly with deep love. He believed in the best of humanity, with the ever-present inspiration of the great American experiment. Known for his unwavering enthusiasm and uncompromising tenacity, he will be remembered for his beautiful smile, kind spirit, and booming voice echoing, “Let’s go! Let’s go!”
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Rhonda Garvin Conaway. He also leaves behind the lights of his life, his sons, to which he was truly the best and most loving father: Richard Conaway and Patrick Conaway. He is also survived by his adoring parents, Pat and Jane (Carney) Conaway, sister Miriam Morrison, brother Carlton Conaway, father in law Richard Garvin, and Mother in law Gerry (Healy) Garvin, brother in law Mark Garvin, his wife April (Tighe) Garvin, his son-in-law Graeme Reid, and his nieces & nephews Haley Garvin, Genevieve Morrison, Matthew Morrison, and Bowen Morrison, as well as a large extended family, friends, mentors, and colleagues, he touched during his short life.
Visiting Hours will be on Sunday, July 10th from 4pm to 8pm at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, Natick Common. A Celebration of Brett’s Life will take place on Monday, July 11th at 4pm in the Natick High School Auditorium, 15 West Street, Natick. The family asks that attendees wear red, white, or blue or a hint of. A private burial with military honors is planned at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Natick. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Brett’s memory to Home Base: Veteran and Family Care (www.homebase.org) or the Veteran Association of the First Corps of Cadets (www.vafcc.org).
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.
“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.
Visiting Hours in St. Linus Church will be held Monday, March 21 from 4-7pm.
Father MacEwen’s funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church on Tuesday, March 22 at 11am. Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley will preside, and Bishop Robert Reed will preach the homily.
We share our condolences with family, friends, and parishioners.
