Michael L. Evanowski, Sr.

HOLDEN - Michael Leo Evanowski, Sr., passed away in his 57th year on November 8th, 2026, at home.

Michael was born on January 30th, 1969, to Walter Evanowski and the late Janice Evanowski in Worcester MA. He grew up in Holden playing competitive soccer, riding bikes with his brother, and spending time with his friends playing street hockey in the neighborhood.

Michael had a lifelong love of music and learning. He got his first guitar at 13 years old and played it religiously. He was a deep fan of live music, his favorite being the Grateful Dead. Teaching his kids about music and pointing them back to God in everything. He was strong and grounded in his faith, leading his family, and attending church services every Sunday.

Mike was a family man, enjoying all the moments being present with his loved ones. He always left things better than he found them, fixing and building anything and everything he found. He was exquisitely creative and always learned how to do something on his own before asking for help.

He graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1987 and went on to study economics at UConn. After college, he started Manhattan Bartender Academy; a bartending school in Worcester MA, where he met his wife, Amy. They fell for each other immediately, knowing they had found their person. Growing up in Central Massachusetts, Mike always longed for being on the ocean and better weather. After living in Florida for a year, they moved to Cape Cod to be closer to family. Mike’s heart for helping others, led him to work with adults with disabilities as a Program Director for Habilitation Assistance.

On May 11, 2002, Amy and Michael got married in West Yarmouth, where they lived for 12 years and started their family. They were best friends who did everything together. Mike had a passion for properties and real estate, so he worked as a broker for Harrison & Fuhs Realty while on the Cape. Eventually, they moved back to Central MA, where Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit continued. He created and built another business, Mass Property Preservation, working day and night to provide for his family for 15 years.

In his 40s, Michael grew into a teaching role, sharing his endless knowledge, he taught history at the Challenge and Reach Academy and as a driving instructor at CMSC. While providing for his family, he was able to continue his academic career, obtaining a master’s degree in public administration at Anna Maria College.

After Michael’s mother Janice passed, he transitioned to work for his father’s company at North American Insurance, with his brother Matthew Evanowski, who he shared an unbreakable bond with.

He was a devoted husband, father, son, son-in-law and brother, self-less in nature, caring about everyone deeply. He leaves behind his home team; his beloved wife Amy Evanowski, his little girl Maya Evanowski, his only son Michael L. Evanowski Jr. who shared his name, his esteemed father Walter Evanowski and cherished brother Matthew and his wife Melanie Evanowski. His mother and father- in-law; Mr. and Mrs. Hardy and Robert Gifford, siblings in law; Todd Gifford, Mr. and Mrs. Housigian and the late Jonathon Hardy. As well as a plethora of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends and extended family.

Mike had big dreams, always telling his family to look up more often, to know everything is exactly how it should be, and that we are never alone. He was the best wise counsel, a problem solver, and would drop everything to make you feel seen. He will be gravely missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street, Worcester. Interment will immediately follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, 162 Webster Street, Worcester. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mike’s memory may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.