Final Salute

Michael “Mike” F. Gaughan, age 77, of Medford, formerly of Somerville, passed away at home on July 2, 2024. Michael was the beloved husband of Elaine (Rizzo) Gaughan with whom he shared 38 wonderful years of marriage.

Mike was born in Dorchester and in 1966, he joined the Navy SeaBees. He was eventually sent to Vietnam where he served during the Tet Offensive in 1968. Mike joined the Somerville Police Department in 1973 where he served for 36 years retiring as Lieutenant. He always took care of his officers. So much so that they nicknamed him “Nana Gaughan.” His life was devoted to helping others in whatever they needed.

Mike was a self-taught “Master Chef” who enjoyed cooking and trying many new and different recipes. He was gifted with this talent and dinner at Mike’s house was just like going to a 5-star restaurant, actually even better. He was famous for his “Chili” which he loved to share with his friends during gatherings. He was also a fixer-upper kind of guy. It was said that “if Mike/Dad can’t fix it, no one can.” He loved restoring old furniture pieces which were in complete disrepair and bringing them back to life. His garden was his pride and joy, which he kept up meticulously. He also loved to go deep sea fishing with the guys sometimes out of Gloucester, Rockport and Ogunquit, Maine.

“Poppy” adored his grandchildren beyond belief. His thoughts were always about them. He was a true family man.

Mike will fondly be remembered by all who knew him as a giving person with strong ethics and beliefs. His love of family was his top priority. He always thought of others before himself. He was someone you would hope to meet and have as a friend at least once in your lifetime. Even in his most trying times, Mike never lost his sense of humor making everyone around him laugh. He was truly a brave and courageous man.

Mike is survived by devoted and loving wife, Elaine, his wonderful children Paula Gaughan and her wife Laura of Stoneham, Michelle Bearror and her husband Tim of Jensen Beach, Florida, Michael Gaughan and his wife Sara of Winthrop and Michael DeVivo of Medford. He was the loving Poppy of 11 cherished grandchildren, Isabella, Destiny, Brady, Isaiah, T.J., Jameson, Avery, Bryce, Penny, Ryan and Bennett.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Helen (White) Gaughan, his sister Elizabeth Gaughan, and his brother Peter Gaughan. He is survived by his kind and caring siblings, Theresa Harris and her husband James of Westwood, Marie Rouissi and her husband Assad of Stoughton, Paul Gaughan and his wife Kathleen of North Attleboro, and Julie Magyar and her husband Patrick of Mansfield. He also leaves his dear sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joanne and Mitchell Crosley of Middleton. He truly loved all of his many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service to celebrate Michael’s life will be held at Grace Episcopal Church 160 High St., Medford on Tuesday, July 9th at 11:00AM. Please meet directly at church.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Calling Hours will be held in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway (Powder House SQ.) Monday, July 8th from 3:00PM to 7:00PM.

Services will conclude with interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.

If you prefer, donations may be made in Mike’s name to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.