Michael was born on June 18, 1958 to Norman and Rachel (Bergeron) Belanger in Sanford, and where he grew up attended local schools, graduating from Sanford High School in 1977.
When Michael was a young man he was a member of the Indian Guides and enjoyed playing football and baseball. He was also active in the CYO and played guitar in the choir at Holy Family Parish.
He was employed at the family business, B and B Carpet until he had to stop working due to deteriorating vision. He had a very close relationship with his father and always made it a point to do more than his share or to lift the heavy end of the load to make things easier on his dad.
Michael was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and riding his motorcycle. He struggled with many health problems from a young age due to complications from diabetes. He received two kidney transplants, lost his eyesight and had to endure much illness but he did not let this define him as a person. He was a kind and loving man, making friends easily wherever he went. He will be remembered for his signature mustache and his funloving spirit. He was a caring and devoted son, brother, uncle and nephew and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Michael is preceded in death by: his paternal grandparents, Wilfred and Emma Belanger; and by his maternal grandparents, Evariste and Aurore Bergeron.
He is survived by: his parents, Norman and Rachel Bergeron of Sanford; his brother, Marc Belanger and his fiancée Debbie Traves of Sanford; his nephew, Ethan Belanger of Sanford; Debbie’s children, Tyler, Cody, and Alex Traves of Sanford; two aunts, Gertrude Berard and Sr. Claire Bergeron, Union of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary; an uncle, Richard Bergeron and his wife Marie; and many cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 14 at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, located on North Avenue in Sanford. Interment will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider sending a memorial contribution to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 10310, Portland, ME 04104.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Barron Center, as well as the many doctors and health care professionals that showed so much care and compassion to Michael during his many years of declining health. They would also like to express their appreciation to the Lion’s Club for their donation of Michael’s seeing eye dog and best friend, “Git Ander,” who was a tremendous comfort and aid for Michael.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford- Springvale.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com.
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