Michael A. Renahan of Chilmark and formerly of Mattapoisett, died on Friday, Sept. 28 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 69.

Michael was born Feb. 10, 1943, to Thomas A. Renahan of Mattapoisett and Pauline (Perry) Renahan of Mattapoisett.
 
He was a graduate of Mount Saint Charles Academy in Rhode Island. Shortly after graduating he joined the Mattapoisett police department and then went on to work with the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources for the marine division.
 
Michael, his wife Joan and stepchildren, Michael Rossi, formerly of Edgartown, William Rossi of Chilmark, Patricia Rossi of Chilmark, David Rossi of Edgartown and Daniel Rossi of West Tisbury all moved to the Vineyard in 1973.
 
Shortly after moving to the Vineyard he changed careers and became a contractor. He truly loved everything the Island had to offer, such as hunting and fishing, and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren all that he knew. He was the Chilmark dog officer for 35 years and served on the board of health, which he truly enjoyed.
 
He was predeceased by his wife Joan Faith [Gagnon] Renahan and his stepson Michael W. Rossi. He is survived by his brother Thomas Renahan of Maryland; his stepchildren William, Patricia, David and Daniel, along with nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 
A visitation was held on Tuesday, Oct. 2 in the Chapman Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. A funeral mass was celebrated on Wednesday, Oct. 3 in St. Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven followed by interment at Abel’s Hill Cemetery in Chilmark. A celebration of his life followed at the Chilmark Community Center.
 
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Menemsha Fisheries Development Fund, P.O. Box 96, Menemsha, MA 02553.