Michael Leonard Gravel

Michael Leonard Gravel, 67, of Walpole, formerly of Salem, died at the home of his sister, surrounded by his two sons and loving mother after a long and hard fought battle with ALS.

Mike was born in Salem, MA to Leonard and June Gravel and lived most his life there. He was a graduate of Salem High School Class of 1976. Growing up he taught himself to draw and was an incredibly talented sketch artist, able to draw detailed renderings from memory. He had a love for Boston sports, although the LV Raiders had crept in his heart, but a diehard Boston Bruins fan. On game days he was quick to let out a “Let’s Go Bruins!” howl during the game. Loved ones would receive a “WOOOOO!” after each goal. He himself was also a gifted athlete. He would ask “Want to race?” then take off for the finish line, letting you get close enough to think you had a chance, before pulling ahead at the last second with a big smile on his face.

Mike was an incredibly kind and selfless soul. He greeted everyone with a smile and was the first to hold the door open for a stranger, no matter how many people it meant he was holding the door for. Everyone knew Mike’s kind and generous side, but not everyone got to see his fun and goofy side. He loved his family and friends more than anything. Raising and spending time with his boys became the greatest joy of Mike’s life. The movies, wrestling events, sporting games, dinner, or just sitting and talking - Mike loved being with his boys and visiting his grandkids. Playing hide and seek, floor is lava, or just letting the kids sit on his lap while watching TV - his grandkids were the light of his life.

Mike is survived by his two sons, Joshua M. Gravel and his wife Heather (Simpson) of Salem, Ryan M. Gravel and his wife Dr. Bryanna Vesely of Newport News, Virginia, as well as two grandkids Alexandra Gravel and Nicholas Gravel. He is also survived by his mother June D. (Roberts) Gravel of Hampton, NH; sister Donna M. Bonarrigo and her husband Frank Bonarrigo of New Bern, NC; youngest sister Lori J. Winter and her husband Paul M. Winter of Hampton, NH; his thoughtful and caring first wife Donna M. Witham of Sandown, NH; stepdaughter Jamie (Swiniarski) Davis, her husband Joe Davis, and their son Brandon Davis of Sandown, NH.; his stepson Corey D. Swiniarski of South Boston; and brother-in-law Phil Capodanno of Billerica, MA. He’s also survived by an uncle, many cousins, nephews, nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews. He is also survived by his current wife Colleen McCarthy Gravel of E. Walpole, MA. Mike was predeceased by his father Leonard J. Gravel and his sister Patricia A. Capodanno.

His visiting hours will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St, Salem on Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 4 to 6 pm followed by a Funeral Service at 6 pm. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In his memory, contributions may be made to Compassionate Care Als, P.O. Box 152, West Falmouth, MA 02574, www.ccals.org. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.