Michael C. Traynor

Until we meet again – may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

On March 5, 2026, Michael C. Traynor went to Heaven. For him, we can only assume it looked a lot like his favorite days on Earth – surrounded by good food, good drink, by beloved family and friends, and a head seat at the table to regale all with stories. Perhaps all while on a golf course.

Michael was 88 years old, and it is a testament to the family unit that he built that they were unprepared to say goodbye and miss him fiercely. He leaves his wife, Jo-Ann (Jalbert) Traynor; son and daughter-in-law Michael and Kathleen (Collins) Traynor; daughter and son-in-law Sarah (Traynor) Mooney and Ryan Mooney; daughter-in-law Cynthia (Plante) Traynor; grandchildren Elizabeth Traynor and her fiancé Stephen Leavitt; Christopher Traynor and Victoria Maslen; Jack Mooney; Gavin Mooney; and many other cherished family and friends.

Greeting him with what we are sure were beaming smiles are those who predeceased Michael in life. In addition to his parents, his first wife and mother to his sons, Barbara (Johnson) Traynor; his son, Timothy Traynor; and Michael’s siblings Mary(May) Marques, Elizabeth (Betty) Muldoon, Patrick Traynor, Catherine Kalarian, and James Traynor.

He was born on May 23, 1937, the sixth of six children born to Patrick and Mary (Hannan) Traynor. The bonds Michael formed with his siblings would follow him throughout his life and form a core unit that spread to support, uplift and champion the entire Traynor family and its many branches. It was in high school that he met Barbara, and they married during her senior year. Michael and Timothy completed their family, and they settled on Young Street in Pawtucket, R.I., before facing the heartbreak of Barbara’s early passing.

Michael forged ahead, and when he met Jo-Ann, the warmth and light returned to the family. They were married on September 1, 1973, the first chapter of what was a 52-year union, welcoming Sarah and deepening the love and care that the family held. As their family grew, Michael and Jo-Ann became “Papa and Grandma” to all of their grandchildren: makers of magic, sources of unconditional love, and – especially for Papa – a constant source of laughter and oft-repeated family quotes.

We are buoyed by the thought of Michael reuniting with his loved ones in heaven, and hope that the first to greet him was his son, Timothy, with a big smile, martini in hand, and a TV set switched to an Irish golfer always winning the Masters.

Michael served in the U.S. Navy Reserves, and finished first in his plumbing apprenticeship class, before starting his career at Elhatton Plumbing and Heating Company and J.P. CuddiganPlumbing and Heating Company. But the deep pride of his professional career was opening his own company, M.C. Traynor & Sons Plumbing and Heating, which later became Mechanical Services of New England. A self-made and self-driven successful businessman, to this day, his house holds business records and resources – just in case he decided to pick it up again.

Though one of the hardest workers his family knew, Michael also knew how to have fun. He started his love of golf in the St. Theresa’s golf league and later became a longtime member of Pawtucket Country Club. He was a legendary cook, and learned how to garden alongside of that, meaning many of his signature dishes featured homegrown produce. He loved to travel, delighted in his Irish heritage, and – like any lifetime New England resident should – loyally and passionately cheered for the Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox, and the New England Patriots. And Michael cherished his grandchildren, who idolized and adored him. Papa was our best friend, our partner in crime, and the source of many of our life lessons (some our parents wish we didn’t learn) – and his four “dears” wish we were given many more years together.

The entire Traynor family will miss meals gathered around the table together, holidays that held more laughter than we thought possible, text messages that end in almost a hundred shamrock and heart emojis, but most importantly, we will miss knowing that we were all “Papas Prides and Joys.”

We love you.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 11:00AM at Transfiguration of the Lord Parish at St. Mary Church, 14 Park Street, North Attleborough, MA 02760. VISITATION will be held prior to the Mass from 9:00AM-10:00AM at the WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

www.TrippFuneralHome.com