Michael Luciw

Michael Luciw of Northbridge, Massachusetts, loving husband of Ruth M. Luciw for 40 years, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

Michael was born in Austria near the end of World War II. His Ukrainian parents met and married while living in a work camp there. Shortly after Michael’s birth, the family immigrated to the United States and settled in New Jersey, where they became part of a close-knit Ukrainian community. Michael graduated from the Hartford Institute of Accounting. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following his honorable discharge, he relocated to Massachusetts.

Michael and Ruth met through work in the 1980s, beginning a love story that spanned more than 40 years. They loved to travel and enjoyed many vacations abroad, especially in Italy. Although they did not have children of their own, their nieces and nephews were like their own children and fondly called him “Uncle Monkey.” 

Michael was a proud U.S. Army veteran. He spent most of his career working as an accountant and controller. He also enjoyed a successful side business as a DJ, combining his love of music with his talents for emceeing and mixing. His work helped make many wedding receptions and parties memorable, and his DJ services were in high demand before his retirement.

In addition to his wife, Ruth, Michael leaves his much-loved family: his niece, Michelle DeSimone, and her partner, Stephen Sullivan, of West Newton; his nephew, Richard Clements, and his wife, Christine, of Waltham; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Michael and Caitlyn DeSimone, Cameron, Kevin, Kayla, and Olivia Clements.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Pauline Luciw; his brother, John; his sister-in-law, Carol Melvin; and her son, Robert Clements.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 11AM in St. Bernard Church, West Newton. Visiting hours Friday evening, from 4-7PM at the Burke & Blackington Funeral Home, West Newton. Burial will be private at a later date. 

Contributions in Michael’s memory may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. More information is available at Tunnel to Towers Foundation