Obituary of Michael Paul McGreal

Michael Paul McGreal passed away suddenly on Tuesday April 9, 2024.  He was 59 years old.  Michael was born and raised in Medford.  He was a graduate of Arlington Catholic High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University.   He worked as a financial analyst then was promoted to an HCM service consultant within the benefits department of ADP.   He started with Workscape which then was purchased by ADP.  Michael had a pleasant way with his customers.  He was gregarious, enjoyed making connections, sharing his knowledge, and helping solve problems.  He was well respected and much loved by his clients and coworkers.

Michael embraced life and followed his passions.  Saying he was a huge college football fan would be an understatement.  He had a college t-shirt collection that included over 600 shirts of which he proudly each game day.  His favorite team was the Boston College Eagles, and he cherished those Doug Flutie years at Boston College.  He was a whiz when it came to music trivia.  He studied Billboard charts and memorized songs, artists, and years released.  He had an affinity to old television shows like “All in the Family”, “Hogan’s Heroes”, and even “The Lawrence Welk Show”.  He enjoyed golfing.  He loved spending days at the family cottage in Humarock.  The July 3^rd and 4^th celebrations with bonfires and fireworks were some of his most favorite summer memories.  He loved animals, especially cows and dogs.  He would visit the cows at a local ice cream farm and his K-9 family Charlie and Scarlet were always at his side.  He talked about his dog Sarah Jean so fondly that some mistakenly thought she was a daughter. 

Michael was dedicated to his family and to those he considered to be family.  He and his wife Shelley have been married for 33 years.  They met at the age of 14 and later reconnected in an accidental meeting through work.  He lovingly cared for her when she battled cancer and took so many moments to show her how much he loved and cherished her.  They have a wonderful son, Mike Jr., that Michael was so proud of.  He went to all his high school sporting events and was so proud to see him become a strong independent young man.  He often shared how proud he was of Mike’s accomplishments with his friends and coworkers. 

Family and friends will remember Michael’s kindhearted demeanor.  He loved making people laugh even at his own expense, like his sense of style, goofy jokes, long stories, and crazy antics.  He was thoughtful and visited elderly neighbors on a regular basis.  Michael had so much to look forward to.  He had a wonderful family, enjoyed his career, and was loved by all.  Michael will be sadly missed, but lovingly remembered.

Michael was the beloved husband of Michelle “Shelley” (Marshall) McGreal.  He was the proud father of Mike McGreal, Jr. of Danvers.  He was the loving son of Elena (Jodice) McGreal of Medford and the late Cornelius V. McGreal.  He was the brother of Michele Harney & her husband, Christopher, of MA.  He was the son-in-law of Rachael Marshall of FL, and the late Alfred J. Marshall of NC.  He was the brother-in-law of the late Alfred Marshall, Jr. & his surviving wife Terry of NH, David & Carrie-Ann Marshall of NH, Chuck & Kathy Marshall of FL.  He was the fun uncle of Maxine Harney, David Marshall, Miranda Poto, Chelsea Marshall, Jacob Marshall, Timothy Marshall, Amy Barrieau, & Barbara Sousa, Donald Marshall, Lori Manzo, and Rachael Flanagan.

Services will be held at Heritage Park Baptist Church, 129 Lexington Street in Burlington on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.  There will be visiting hours at the church from 5 to 7pm, and will conclude with a funeral service at 7pm.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. 

Memorials in Michael’s name may be made to MANNA Worldwide, www.mannaworldwide.com 

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net. 

Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington.