away at the age of 78.
Mike was born on September 11, 1941 in Portland, ME to Charles and Pauline Willett. He grew
up in Portland alongside his brothers and sister, Roger, Chuck, John, and Theresa. He attended
school in Portland before marrying his high school sweetheart, Jean Lombardo on September
5th, 1964. Following school, Mike served his country in the US Army Reserves. Following his
military service, Mike worked a number of different jobs including Jordan's Meats in Portland.
Mike was a brick mason throughout most of his professional career. He worked for Maine
Masonry, TE Low, and independently. Mike always had a sense of humor on the job site and a
reputation of being a hard worker. Aside from being a talented and successful brick mason, he
was also a teacher and role model to a number of apprentice brick masons who Mike took
under his wing, including his grandson Bobby who worked by his grandfather's side in the
summer of 2008.
At gatherings and family events, Mike was always the one you could count on for a good laugh.
His sense of humor was contagious to anyone who entered the room. Mike was also known for
his legendary and amazing storytelling. At family dinners, he would always tell a story that would
leave everyone laughing to tears.
He was a loving grandfather who always looked forward to spending time with his grandkids and
attending their sporting events. One memory Mike's family shares is his pizza he made every
Christmas Eve, it was always a treat that everyone looked forward to. He was a karaoke
rock star and he loved to dance. Mike was caring, supportive, stubborn, and had a positive and
appreciable outlook on life. He lived life happily and how he wanted.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean Willett, daughter Debra Coons and husband Paul
Coons, daughter Denise Orr and husband Thomas Orr, and son Michael Willett and wife Sarah
Rouleau. Grandsons Robert Orr and Pierce Willett, granddaughters Meagan Orr and Sarah
Thomson and brothers Chuck and John Willett.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Eric "Freddy" Frederick, nephew Kyle Lombardo,
his parents Pauline and Charles, sister Theresa and brother Roger.
The family would like to thank Ashton Gardens, Foreside Harbor and Falmouth by the Sea and
its staff for the loving support through these difficult times where the family could not be with
him.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
