A champion gymnast who was a great friend and mentor
KITTERY, Maine — Michael Leo Taffe of Kittery, Maine, caught the first chair up the great ski hill in the sky on the morning of Thursday, February 23, 2023. Born in Natick on May 11, 1950 to Anna Elizabeth Taffe and Lieutenant Colonel Richard Paul Taffe, he became a champion gymnast and graduated Indiana University in 1972 as a coach and educator.
A friend and mentor to many, his hard work ethic served himself and others well throughout his life, particularly in his later years as a RA patient advocate before Congress. A skilled guitarist and pianist, his favorite pastimes included music, golf, shooting, and skiing for over 50 years at Saddleback Mountain.
He is recently predeceased by his brother Richard Paul Taffe of Boston and his sister Pauline McCormick of West Boylston. He is survived by his two beloved daughters, Emily Lawless Taffe of New York City and Megan Joy Taffe of Charlestown, as well as his cherished longtime love Candace Gaines of Salt Lake City, UT.
A private memorial will be held by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to St. Jude Foundation and the ASPCA. Arrangements by Gately Funeral Home, Melrose.
To sign online condolence, visit www.gatelyfh.com
