BECAUSE OF THE INCOMING STORM AND SAFETY CONCERNS, PLEASE NOTE FUNERAL MASS HAS CHANGED FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY. NEW INFORMATION BELOW.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Leggiero (Mike), age 63, of Melrose, on February 13, 2026, after a courageous battle with lymphoma. Mike passed a day before the eagerly awaited arrival of his first grandson, Luca.

Mike was born in Winthrop, Massachusetts, on July 22, 1962, spending the majority of his childhood in East Boston, MA, where his parents settled after moving from Italy. Mike was the first in his family to attend school in the United States, eagerly stepping into the role of English teacher for his parents and younger sister.

After graduating from Saint Dominic Savio High School in 1980, Mike attended Wentworth Institute of Technology, earning a BSET in Architectural Engineering. While at Wentworth, Mike met his future wife Donna at a co-op job at New England Telephone Co. The two married on May 21, 1988, settling in Revere before making their home in Melrose where they raised their two sons, Michael and Daniel. May 21st is a special day for the Leggiero family as it is also the wedding anniversary of Daniel and his wife Nicole, who wed on Mike and Donna’s 34th anniversary.

Mike began his career at Raytheon, where he worked for 38 years before retiring as an Associate Director in 2023. His time at Raytheon took him around the globe, highlighted by his last, and favorite trip to Australia. While at Raytheon, and 33 years after receiving his undergraduate degree, Mike returned to Wentworth, earning “Double Leopard” status, graduating with a Master’s Degree in Facilities Management in 2017.

Mike took great pride in his work, cherishing the connections he made with his coworkers along the way. A dedicated and dependable leader, Mike gave his full effort to all endeavors, both professional and personal. His passion for engineering was instilled in his sons from an early age, particularly on their school projects, where he was the lead engineer on a perfectly scaled lego model of The Great Sphinx of Giza.

Outside of work, Mike treasured time with his family and friends, especially the little moments. Amid a busy work schedule, Mike never missed family dinners, his sons’ practices and games, or an afternoon of wine making. During his free time, Mike could be found spending time in his garden where he grew the spiciest peppers in Melrose; traveling the U.S. and abroad with his family; kicking back and reading a good sci-fi novel; or cruising around the neighborhood in his 1968 Pontiac GTO.

As a true New Englander, Mike loved being outdoors throughout all four seasons. Winters filled with snowmobiling and skiing in Vermont, summer beach days at Wingaersheek, spring afternoons planting in the garden, and fall nights grilling on his patio.

Mike was a natural problem solver, always showing up for family and friends who needed him. He was the first phone call to help hang a shelf, draw up plans for a new kitchen, or to just share a meal and a couple good laughs. Anyone who knows Mike, knows there was never a shortage of projects keeping him busy.

Even during his fight with cancer, Mike never lost his sense of humor. His laugh and smile were contagious, brightening every room he entered. He will be profoundly missed by his friends and family, and his memory will be treasured in the hearts of all of those who loved him.

Mike is survived by his wife Donna Leggiero; his sons Michael Jr. and Daniel Leggiero and his wife Nicole; his grandson Luca; his parents Gerardo and Teresa Leggiero; his sister Sabatina Harington and her husband Scott; his brother Gerardo (Jerry) Leggiero and his wife Stacey; his goddaughter Natalia; his sister-in-laws Catherine, Nancy and Phyllis Caffarella.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mike Leggiero can be made to Tufts Medical Center in support of the Hematology Oncology Department . Gifts can be given online at: https://giving.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/give-now. At the bottom of the form, you will see “Tribute Information (Optional)” where you can acknowledge your tribute to Mike.

Additionally, Mike was the recipient of various blood products throughout his treatment. If you are able to donate blood or platelets in his memory, it would be greatly appreciated.

BECAUSE OF THE INCOMING STORM AND SAFETY CONCERNS, PLEASE NOTE FUNERAL MASS HAS CHANGED FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY. NEW INFORMATION BELOW.

Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 2:00PM-5:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:00AM, followed by the interment at Wyoming Cemetery. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend.