Obituary of Michael Rowe Wadsworth

Michael Rowe Wadsworth, 61, of Farmington, CT and Jay, ME, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 8th with his children by his side. Michael will be remembered as a man with a big heart and a great sense of humor.

Michael was born on June 30, 1963 in Newport, RI while his father, Captain Dwight Wadsworth, was serving in the US Navy. Upon his fathers retirement, the family moved to their hometown of Farmington, CT. Micheal was a true and proud Farmington native. He graduated from Farmington High School in 1981 and proudly announced his enlistment into the US Navy.

Micheal served on board the USS America (CV66) as a Hull Technician, primarily serving as the ship's carpenter and advancing to Second Class Petty Officer (E-5). In 1984, he played an integral role in the rescue of his Admiral’s barge that was actively sinking. He was lowered into the barge via helicopter and successfully made repairs that saved it from sinking. He was then awarded shore duty of his choosing and requested to be stationed at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, CT, to be closer to his hometown of Farmington.

While in New London, he met Donna Reams (Simsbury, CT) with whom he married and had two children, Dwight and Megan. Micheal was a talented woodworker, especially in the discipline of antique furniture restoration, and went on to open his business, New England Furniture Restoration. 

As a Navy man, his call to the sea never wavered. After the antique store closed, he returned to the water as part of New England's commercial fishing industry in New London, CT. There, he would purchase his most prized earthly possession, a 32 foot trawler named the Gladys K, where some of his greatest times were spent.

Michael is survived by his children, Dwight Wadsworth and wife Taryn (Anderson) Wadsworth of Barre, NY; daughter Megan (Wadsworth) Michaud and husband Gregory Michaud of Weare, NH; his 4 grandchildren, Perry, Bode, Julia and Vivienne; and his siblings Mary Lou Wadsworth, Timothy Wadsworth, and Christopher Wadsworth.

Micheal was predeceased by his parents Dwight and Marilyn (Schneeman) Wadsworth and sister Deborah Wadsworth.

The family will be having a private celebration of life in the fall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made Michael's name to the VFW at www.vfw.org.