Michael Burelle

Michael Burelle, 62, passed away on January 17, 2022.

Born in Nashua, on September 12, 1959, he was predeceased by his parents Roger R. Burelle and Phyllis M. (Slosek) Robichaud.

He had been employed by UPS and a Teamster for 22 years, from where he retired in 2020. In the past, worked in HVAC; at NESCO, building metal roofing; worked in construction; and, was a short order cook at a local family restaurant; among other things.

Michael’s latest proud accomplishment was restoring a 1982 Jeep CJ7. He made sure it was done right. He had advice from mechanics, car programs and YouTube.

He spent time around the property of his camp in northern VT, previously lived in by his father. He loved being up there as much as possible.

He and his wife were attached at the hip. He taught her how to ride a motorcycle. They each rode their own bikes until eventually getting a H-D sport touring bike putting his personal touch and 98K miles, together with her and with friends.

Michael liked gardening including his favorite flower, the peony; watching NFL and college football on TV; enjoyed watching car auction shows and loved to say “Sold! Sold! Sold!”; watched old movies and tv shows like Andy Griffith; his favorite music was classic rock and was always whistling; he was interested in backyard bird watching and astronomy; in the past, liked surf casting at Plum Island, flying big kites, and fixing things. He loved this country! Among, so many other things.

Michael loved animals raising 4 Chow Chows over 30 years. Shared life with cats especially, Bear who gravitated to him as a stray kitten. He even built an outdoor shelter with heat for a stray cat during the winter. TigerKitty, eventually became an indoor cat and part of the family. It was not unusual for him to pull over to help a turtle cross the road. He was always thrilled to see a bald eagle and other raptors and wildlife during travels in the north country of NH and Maine.

He loved picking wild blueberries at a special spot in Rangeley, Maine and having picnics along the Androscoggin River in Errol with pizza or a packed lunch.

Michael was sentimental and became partial to yellow, his mother’s favorite color, including it in a subtle way in his Jeep and throughout his life. He would stop at the shrine in Columbia, NH to light candles for his loved ones. His life was peppered with thoughtful, memorable, sweet and loving gestures.

He is survived by his wife, Judy (Bathalon) Burelle, with whom he shared 42 years. Siblings include: his late brother, Gary Burelle; sisters, Paula Raymond and her husband Steve of Amherst; Lisa Moody and her husband Michael of FL; Cynthia Olson of VA; Sandra Daniels of KY; and Pamela Kennedy of Mont Vernon. He also had several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

There are no services at this time. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.