Michael J. Herne

Herne, Michael Joseph Stuart, “Mike”, 69, of Cranston passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center with his family by his side after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Predeceased by his parents, Joseph S. and Margaret M. “Peggy” Herne (Burke), Mike leaves behind his daughter Megan Herne of Warwick, son Paul Herne of Lincoln, and long term companion Elaine Holleran of Cranston. He is also survived by his first cousins Kathy Roseen of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and Bob Cole of  St. Albans, Vermont along with their spouses, children and many grandchildren. 

Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, Mike moved to Cranston shortly thereafter when his father, Joe, became the Band Director at Cranston High School. Mike went on to play trumpet in the Cranston High School Marching Band, even joining his father on a band trip to England. Following Cranston High School East, Mike went on to the University of Bridgeport (CT) where he majored in Music Education and subsequent Business coursework. After a monumental senior recital and graduation, Mike continued to play and teach music professionally for many years. He pursued his passion for music by playing in a Polka band (The Kielbasy Brothers), selling musical instruments, teaching high school band and providing private music lessons. Mike also worked in insurance sales and financial services, and later in his career became the business manager at a moving company. 

Throughout his life Mike enjoyed golfing, camping, scuba diving, reading, photography in his earlier years and taking care of his tomato plants later on which became an annual tradition. Mike loved football in general - but was a loyal and longtime New England Patriots fan sure to be ready on any game day with all his Pats clothing. Mike took pride in his time with Boy Scouts as a child and passed his love of the outdoors onto his children. He was a pet owner to several dogs and cats during his life which was a constant source of happiness for him. In his later years he became passionate about ending puppy mills and demonstrated against them. Mike cared for his mother, specifically later in life, after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Perhaps Mike’s proudest accomplishment was his children, to whom he was a loving father and someone they could always count on. 

In accordance with Mike’s wishes, a private burial will be held at the family plot in Haverhill, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Hope Alzheimer's Center (Cranston, RI) or the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center (Providence, RI).

Arrangements have been entrusted to the DARLINGTON MORTUARY of L. HEROUX & SON.  

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