LIMERICK – Neil D. Michaud, 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, while holding the hand of his loving wife of 70 years, Patricia (Pelletier).

He was born in Grand Isle on April 21, 1927, the third son of Felix and Marie (Sirois) Michaud. Neil grew up in Aroostook County during the Depression Era, but in the course of the many challenges he faced, he encountered certain people along the way who helped spark a drive for education and he developed a deep compassion for people in need.

He joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 16, serving around the country for two years before returning to finish high school in Caribou; he was the first in his family to graduate from high school. Neil graduated from the University of Maine Orono in 1951, received a master’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University in 1954 and completed doctoral studies at the Brandeis University Heller School of Social Work.

Neil had strong faith and a core belief in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. He felt a deep responsibility to support and protect the dignity and rights of others, especially those in need, and he and Pat instilled those values in their children, leading by example. Throughout Neil’s life, he worked tirelessly to mobilize others to put faith into action. His efforts were recognized with the papal honor of the Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great. Neil held many positions in Catholic Charities. He was the founding director of what is now Catholic Charities Maine, spending over 22 years establishing countless programs to help the state’s most vulnerable people. He served as Catholic Charities consultant to several dioceses around the country and was appointed interim director to national Catholic Charities USA in Washington D.C., the first layperson to serve in that position.

The second half of Neil’s career found him in Florida, where he assisted initially the St. Petersburg diocese and then, for 22 years, the Venice diocese Catholic Charities program. There he was able to return to his community organizing roots, supporting the rights of migrant workers, and establishing a model Peace and Justice program. He permanently retired in 2012, at the age of 85, and he and Pat returned to their beloved home state of Maine.

Neil cherished his family, and he will be greatly missed for his sensitivity, compassion, wry sense of humor, and inventive uses of duct tape.

In addition to Pat, he is survived by three sons, Thomas Michaud, Stephen Michaud and Matthew Michaud, and his daughters Margaret Gaudet and Mary Katherine Michaud; along with 12 grandchildren’ and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Wilma Belanger; and many nieces and nephews.

Neil was predeceased by his son, Peter Michaud on Feb. 3, 2013.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Matthew Church in Limerick at 11 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 5, preceded by visitation in the church beginning at 10 a.m. Masks are required. Private burial will occur at a later date in Aroostook County.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit http://www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com

The Autumn Green Funeral Home is respectfully handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Maine.

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