Michael J. Hope

Michael J. Hope, 63, of New Bedford, MA, passed away unexpectedly on September 24, 2023 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was the loving husband of Kathleen (Stafford) Hope with whom he shared 18 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford and a lifelong resident, he was the son of Dorothy A. (Deneault) Hope and the late Norman C. Hope who passed away on September 2, 2023.

He was a graduate of New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.

Michael had worked for Sunbeam Bakery for 25 years until its closing, then worked for the New Bedford School Department for 15 years until his retirement. He most recently worked for the Rock and Waring-Sullivan Funeral Homes as a Funeral Assistant. He was also a volunteer docent at the Whaling Museum years ago.

He enjoyed photography, riding his electric bike daily around his south end neighborhood and daily walks with his beloved dog Bentley.

Surviving in addition to his mother and wife are his step-children, Stephanie Castellone and her husband Adam Valenzuela, Anthony Castellone and Marissa Castellone all of Las Vegas; an aunt, Irene Deneault; and many cousins.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 from 9:00-10:30am in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00am in St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For online tributes, please visit: www.rock-funeralhome.com