Michael James Kilbride
December 14, 1951 – November 8, 2026
Michael James Kilbride of Salem, Massachusetts, formerly of Danvers, Massachusetts, and Melbourne Beach, Florida, passed away unexpectedly at Beverly Hospital on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the age of 74. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Michael lived by the motto “Work hard and play hard.” He built a life filled with hard work, adventure, laughter, and love. But above all, he wanted to be remembered as a family man.
Michael was born in Boston on December 14, 1951, and grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts. He was the beloved son of the late Genevieve (MacDonald) Kilbride of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and William Kilbride of Alberta, Canada. He began working at a young age, learning the painting trade from his late uncle Red Kilbride at Abbot Construction in Petaluma, California. It was the beginning of a lifelong career in painting and restoration.
Michael went on to own and operate Highlands Painting and Construction Company, Atlantic Painting and Surface Restoration, and Precision Painting. His work took him throughout New England, including Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, and down the East Coast to Florida, where he worked for many years. Among the notable projects undertaken by his companies were painting and restoration work on Boston’s iconic CITGO sign overlooking Fenway Park, the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida. He also worked on Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, the oldest synagogue building in the United States, and the restoration of the NASA Causeway Bridge leading to the Kennedy Space Center. His family takes great pride in knowing that the companies he built and the teams he led contributed to the preservation and restoration of landmarks that generations of people will continue to recognize and enjoy.
As proud as Michael was of his work and accomplishments, nothing brought him greater happiness than his family. Michael leaves his wife of 35 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” (Jenkins) Kilbride. His children from his first marriage to Beverly (Pearse) Colucci of Harrison, Maine, are Tanya Marie Bloom and her husband, Stephen Bloom, of Reading, Massachusetts; Michael James Kilbride Jr. of Danvers, Massachusetts; and Daniel Patrick Kilbride and his wife, Kaitlin (Grady) Kilbride, of Danvers, Massachusetts. Together, Michael and Jackie were the proud parents of their son, Jeffery Vowells, and their beloved daughter, Lauren Vowells, who predeceased him. Being a dad was one of Michael’s greatest joys, and his children loved him every bit as much as he loved them. Michael adored his five grandchildren and took tremendous pride in the people they were becoming. He often spoke about the wonderful man his oldest grandson, Michael James Kilbride III, had grown to be. He treasured his time with Nathan Kilbride, Michael III’s younger brother, who brought so much love and happiness into his life. His first granddaughter, Genevieve “Evie” Mary Kilbride, was named for his mother, and he loved cheering her on at field hockey and softball. He was just as happy in the stands watching Thomas “Tommy” John Kilbride play football and baseball and Edward “Teddy” Alfred Kilbride play flag football, baseball, and soccer. His family will always be grateful for those afternoons together, especially the one they recently shared over Halloween weekend. To Michael, there was no better place to be than on the sidelines, cheering them on and sharing in the little moments of their lives. He loved each of them dearly and cherished every moment they spent together.
Michael’s brothers meant the world to him. He leaves John “Jack” Kilbride and his wife, Tammy (Thompson) Kilbride, of Santa Rosa, California, along with William “Bill” Kilbride of Salem, Massachusetts, formerly of Nantucket, and Mark Kilbride and his wife, Genie Kilbride, of Merrimac, Massachusetts. His brother Kenny Kilbride predeceased him. Michael also leaves his sister-in-law Sarah Kilbride of Calais, Maine, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. His mother taught her five boys to be there for one another, and Michael carried that lesson with him all his life. Whenever someone in the family needed a hand, he was there.
Mike loved being out on the ocean, whether aboard his own boat or joining friends on the water during sailing competitions. Anyone who knew him knew about the Genevieve, his beloved 34-foot Pacemaker cabin cruiser named for his mother. He was a lifetime member of Palmer’s Cove Yacht Club in Salem and spent his summers living aboard the Genevieve, which was his second home. Over the years, the Genevieve weathered her share of storms and needed plenty of attention, but Mike took great pride in keeping her looking her best. His loyal friend Anthony Bova was always there to lend a hand and help keep her afloat.
One of Mike’s favorite stories was about a particularly rough trip home from Nantucket through an unexpected storm. Alone aboard the Genevieve, with waves crashing over the bow, Mike decided the ocean wasn’t going to have the last word. Like a pirate, he shouted: “Arrr! Come and get me! You’re not sinking my Genevieve!”
Michael loved to travel, and he was always up for an adventure, especially if he could share it with others. An avid motorcyclist, he loved riding side by side with his brothers, especially along the roads of New Hampshire. His adventurous spirit also took him beneath the waves. After earning his Master Scuba Diver certification, he explored the waters of New England and the British Virgin Islands, went cave diving in Mexico, and even dove with sharks on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Michael was especially proud to dive at the New England Aquarium, an opportunity given to him by Paul Ahern, one of his most influential mentors. He had some fun above sea level, too, once earning a bronze medal in slalom skiing at Banff in the 1980s. One of the memories he spoke of most fondly was looking up at the night sky in Tahiti and how peaceful he felt there.
Yet his favorite place of all was good old Nantucket. He spent many summers there, often with all five Kilbride brothers and their families together at Great Point. They went four-wheeling and spent many a Fourth of July watching fireworks together. More than the beaches, the four- wheeling, or the fireworks, what made Nantucket truly special to Michael was being there with his brothers and their families.
Mike made friends wherever he went, and some of his closest friends had known him since they were kids. He loved making people laugh and rarely missed an opportunity to entertain. His unforgettable karaoke performances earned him the title of “Day-O King.” With his big smile, that familiar twinkle in his eye, and a story always ready to tell, Mike was often the life of the party.
Michael lived life on his own terms. He worked hard, traveled far, loved the ocean, and never passed up an opportunity for a good story or a good laugh. Through it all, the people he loved were what mattered most. His family will remember his voice cheering from the sidelines, his unmistakable smile, and the countless memories he leaves behind.
True to the way he lived, Michael made it clear that he did not want a traditional wake or funeral. Instead, he wanted the people he loved to come together, share stories, laugh, and remember the good times.
In keeping with his wishes, family and friends are invited to celebrate Michael’s life on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Palmer’s Cove Yacht Club, 74 Leavitt Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970. Please join the family in sharing stories and remembering Michael at a place that meant so much to him.
To send a condolence to the family please comment below. Be sure to add your name and click comment as guest on the second page.
