Michael Reger

Michael “Mike” Reger, 78, passed away unexpectedly on August 22, 2026, just two days shy of his 79th birthday and on the 45th anniversary of his marriage to his beloved wife, Charlene.

Born on August 24, 1947, Mike was the son of the late Francis and Doris Reger of Marlborough, Massachusetts.

Mike proudly served his country for four years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he worked maintaining the weapons systems on fighter aircraft. He earned the Airman of the Base award while there. His service reflected qualities that would define him throughout his life: loyalty, dependability, humility, and a willingness to do whatever was needed. He spent his years after working in the trades as a master craftsman. He was well known for his ability to make anything, with precision and care.

On August 22, 1981, Mike married Charlene, beginning a marriage that would span exactly 45 years. Together they built a life centered around faith and family. Mike loved and cared for Charlene deeply and selflessly. He was the steady presence upon which she and their family could always depend.

Mike was the devoted father of Rebekah Traylor and her husband, Brian, of Westminster, and Lauren Gonzalez of Westminster. His daughters were his pride and joy.

But perhaps no role brought Mike greater joy than being Papa.

His four grandchildren, Dryden, Jackson, Evan, and Charlotte “CC” Traylor, were among the greatest gifts of his life. He was extraordinarily devoted to them. Papa was at the sporting events, ready with countless rides, available for fishing trips, conversations, stories, and advice, and always willing to help with whatever was needed. And his circle extended well beyond his own family. Over the years, so many of his grandchildren’s friends came to know and love him simply as “Papa,” too.

That was Mike. He showed up.

If someone needed help, he would drop what he was doing. If someone needed advice, he had some to give. If there was something broken, he would try to fix it. He took many people under his wing throughout his life, offering compassion, wisdom, faith, a helping hand, or simply his presence. He never needed recognition for any of it. He was humble, generous with all that he had, and deeply loved by those fortunate enough to know him. His Christian faith was at the center of his life. Mike loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was always happy for an opportunity to share that faith with someone else. It shaped the way he lived- with compassion, service, loyalty, and love for others.

Fittingly, one of the last things Mike did was something he loved most: spending time with one of his grandchildren. On the day he passed, Mike went fishing with his grandson Evan, his little buddy. The two sat together peacefully, fishing and sharing time with one another- one more quiet memory in a lifetime filled with Papa simply being there.

The suddenness of Mike’s passing leaves an immeasurable absence in the family he anchored so faithfully. But the life he built around them remains- in the stories he told, the advice he gave, the things he fixed, the games he never missed, the rides he gave, the morning cups of coffee, the fishing trips, the faith he shared, and the countless times he simply showed up when someone needed him.

His family takes comfort in the faith that meant so much to Mike and in the promise that this goodbye is not forever.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

Psalm 116:15

Mike is survived by his wife, Charlene; his daughters, Rebekah Traylor and her husband, Brian, and Lauren Gonzalez; his grandchildren, Dryden, Jackson, Evan, and Charlotte “CC” Traylor; his brothers, Steven Reger and Mark Reger; his nephew, Matthew Reger, who was more like his son, and the many other extended family members, friends, and honorary grandchildren whose lives he touched.

He was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Doris Reger, and his brothers, Karl Reger, Paul Reger, and Patrick Lyons.

Memorial service will be held at Mack Family Funeral Home at 105 Central St Gardner, MA on September 5, 2026 at 11 am. 

A brief graveside service will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery on Ellis Rd in Westminster. 

Reception will then be held at Forrest Farms at 127 Main Street Westminster.