Michael F. Woelfel.
Michael Francis Woelfel, 76, of Bradford, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 1, at Massachusetts General Hospital.
He was born in Haverhill Sept. 4, 1947, son of the late Harry E. “Hank” and Mary E. (Gilmore) Woelfel.
He was educated in the Haverhill Public School System and graduated from Central Catholic High School with the Class of 1965. Upon graduation, he would go on to attend Providence College where he would receive his bachelor’s degree in history in 1969. He would later receive his Master’s degree from Lesley University in Education. Woelfel went on to teach in the Haverhill School System for 40 years until his retirement in 2009. He continued to tutor students at Haverhill High School until 2020. He was truly a gifted teacher.
Michael was a passionate and dedicated math teacher and coach for the Haverhill Public Schools where he inspired generations of students with his patience, good will, and empathy. Countless students pointed to Mr. Woelfel as “their person” who was a source of strength and empowerment. He positively changed the trajectory of thousands of lives with his love and unassuming grace. Athletics and coaching were a lifelong passion where he coached scores of athletes in basketball, track, cross country, and softball. Teaming with his brother Kevin, Mike coached the Haverhill High School Girls Basketball dynasty from 1998-2007 winning six state championships and becoming the most successful in Massachusetts girls high school basketball history. Mike’s quiet confidence and ability to bring out the very best in his athletes transcended the sport and helped young athletes become good people and citizens.
Family was Michael’s center and source of joy. He loved spending summer days on the beach with his large extended family, golfing with his brothers, and traveling to warm climates with his wife Maryann. Michael delighted in watching his grandchildren in their sports and activities and rarely missed a game or event. Always the natural teacher, whether winning or losing, he taught us all how to be good people.
Michael lived every day to its fullest and remained incredibly active throughout his life. He was fixture on the streets of Haverhill running daily and often enjoyed the local road races. He was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan, loved working in his yard, and was a proud Providence College Friar alumni.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 23 years Maryann Rogers; four children Karen P. Blagg and her husband Joshua of Westford, Laurie B. Kelly and her husband David of South Venice, Fla., Rebecca A. Kobrenski and her husband Brian of Chelmsford, and Kimberly J. Duplessis and her husband Chad of Augusta, Maine; stepchildren Kaitlin Mathews and her husband Brent of Decatur, Ga, Michael Cenower of Amesbury and Lauren Cenower of North Andover. He also leaves behind his siblings, Stephen E. Woelfel and his wife Jane of Centerville, Brian J. Woelfel and his wife Eileen of Haverhill, Dennis W. Woelfel and his wife Stephanie of Jupiter, Fla, Kevin R. Woelfel and his wife Kerry of Haverhill, Daniel R. Woelfel of Haverhill, Thomas P. Woelfel and his wife Tammy of Salem, N.H., Timothy P. Woelfel and his wife Roberta of Lowell, Patrick J. Woelfel and his wife Karen of Wheaton, Ill., Mark H. Woelfel and his wife Kelli of Franklin, Mary E. Woelfel of Haverhill, John R. Woelfel and his wife Sheila of Hampton, NH, his 11 grandchildren Tyler, Emily, Ryan, Cassidy, Dylan, Eliza, Matthew, Evan, Olivia, Lily and Molly, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his calling hours on Tuesday, May 7 from 4-7 p.m., at H.L. Farmer & Sons Bradford Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Bradford. His Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, May 8, at 11 a.m., in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 South Main St., Bradford. Interment will be in the Elmwood Cemetery, Bradford.
In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial scholarship in his name to benefit deserving student-athletes from Haverhill High School. Please make checks payable to Haverhill High School c/o The Michael Woelfel Scholarship Fund. Haverhill High School, 137 Monument Street, Haverhill, MA 01832.