Michael S. Achille died peacefully at his home in Oak Bluffs on Sept. 26. He was 85.

Michael was born on Jan. 16, 1933 in Sturgis, S.D. He grew up in Hingham, graduated from Hingham High School and attended Springfield College where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Michael served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War where he attained the rank of Sergeant and was a drill instructor at Parris Island earning multiple expert marksmanship awards and other commendations.

Michael retired after 30 years as an educator with the Nanuet Public School System in Nanuet, N.Y. As a guidance counselor, he created the guidance department at Nanuet’s George MacArthur Barr Middle School and, as the founder of the varsity football team and as a wrestling coach at Nanuet Senior High School, he was instrumental in positively influencing and leading hundreds of young people over the course of his career.

A Renaissance man, Mike was not only an academic and an athlete, but also a gifted poet, publishing three volumes of his work and serving as the poet laureate of Oak Bluffs. He was a member of the American Legion, a Freemason, an artist and songwriter, an entrepreneur and community leader and a devoted member of the West Tisbury First Congregational Church where he served as Deacon. He was larger than life, well-traveled and well-read, with a sharp and quick wit. He loved life and laughter and was outstanding at experiencing both.

Michael is predeceased by his father, Silvan G. Achille, and his mother, Mary Esther Chesney Achille, and by his wife, Karen Sue Achille. Michael is survived by his brother, Carl Achille, and his wife, Susan, of Hingham. He is also survived by his daughter, Christine Achille Gunter, and her husband, Jack, of Donaldsonville, La.; his son, Michael Coulter Achille, of South Orleans; his daughter, Jennifer DeVivo Imbrogno, and her husband, Dan, of West Tisbury; his son, Mark Gerald Achille, of South Orleans; his son, Lt. Col. Matthew DeVivo, of Raleigh, N.C.; and his daughter, Jennifer Achille Parks, and her husband, David, of Chico, Calif. He is the beloved grandfather of eight and a loving uncle to several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury, on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow.

Michael wished that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, PO Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or the First Congregational Church Of West Tisbury, PO Box 3000/PMB 3111, West Tisbury, MA 02575.