Michael James McNamara

It is with heavy hearts that we celebrate the life of Michael James “Mac” McNamara, of Norwood, who passed away with his family by his side on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the age of 71. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Mike was the son of the late Edmund L. McNamara and Marie C. (Ellis) McNamara.

Mike is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Barbara R. (Dunaiski) McNamara; his son, Stephen McNamara, and his wife, Sara, of Marshfield; and his daughter, Lauren Policella, and her husband, Justin. He is also survived by his sisters, Anne Marie McNamara and Frances McNamara; his sister, Dorothy Teehan, and her husband, Mark; his sister-in-law, Kathy McNamara; and 11 nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his younger brother, Edmund “Ned” McNamara. Mike adored his family, especially his four granddaughters, Shayla, Addison, Brynlee, and Ellis, who will miss their beloved “Papa” dearly.

Mike graduated from Xaverian Brothers High School in 1972, Boston College in 1976, and earned his MBA from Suffolk University in 1981. He served as Director of Procurement at Northeastern University for over 10 years before retiring in 2021, following a 24-year career at MIT Procurement. Throughout his long and successful career in higher education procurement, he was deeply involved with the National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP), both regionally and nationally. He loved NAEP and genuinely enjoyed the company of his many friends and colleagues.

Although Mike enjoyed his career, he was most proud of the bonds he formed with colleagues, his lifelong friendships, and the time he spent with family. He loved retirement, often reminding people that he was “available for lunch because he was retired.” He and Barbara loved vacationing, relaxing down the Cape, playing golf, watching the girls, keeping Rosie company and traveling with his sisters on their next adventure. Mike was an avid Boston sports fan and a die-hard Boston College fan, holding season tickets for football and basketball for 50 years. He was always the life of the party and never one to pass up an opportunity to grab the karaoke microphone.

Mike leaves behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, laughter, and love. He had a way of bringing people together, making everyone feel welcome, and turning an ordinary gathering into a great time. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him. We love you, Papa.

Visiting Hours will be held in the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street (Rte. 1A) NORWOOD on Tuesday, November 10, from 5-7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated the following morning, Wednesday, November 11, in St. Timothy Church, 650 Nichols Street, Norwood, at 10:30 AM. At the request of the family, interment will be held privately at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Mike’s memory to the Norwood Friends of St. Nick: FOSN PO Box 814 Norwood, MA 02062.