Michael “Mike” Joseph Gargan III, of Quincy, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, September 11, 2023, surrounded by his wife, Barbara J. Gargan, and sister, Helene C. Gargan.

Born in Boston on March 11, 1948, to Michael J. Gargan Jr. and Helene C. Gargan (née Hanrahan), Mike spent his childhood as a part of St. Mark’s Parish on St. Mark’s Road in Dorchester, which he shared with his brother, Robert (“Bob”) and sister Helene. It was here that he met a wonderful group of friends that he would be so lucky to call his friends for life.

Mike graduated from Boston College High School in 1965 and then went on to Boston College. After graduating from B.C. with a B.S. in Finance in 1969, Mike went into business with his father, becoming co-owner of Kelly Movers based in Belmont, MA. Soon after, he joined the National Guard as a gunnery sergeant for a 4 year commitment. During this time, he fortuitously met Barbara in a bar in Allston. They married in 1975 and moved to Quincy. Their daughter, Colleen, was born in 1980. In the late 1980s, Mike started working for the USPS, a career he continued until his retirement in 2014.

Mike wore many hats … literally. He maintained a prized collection of ball caps commemorating his favorite sports teams and wins, his daughter’s travels and other special life events. He was passionate about weightlifting and training. Having taken it up around the age of 35, Mike spent 40 years “pumping iron,” more than earning him the nickname “Iron Mike.”

A lifelong Boston/Quincy resident, Mike was a true Massachusetts sports addict. Never a fair-weather fan, Mike stuck with the Celtics, Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins through thick and thin, even those “off” years. Moreover, he had a passion for collegiate sports, particularly football, basketball, and gymnastics. He even played basketball in high school and college.

But it wasn’t just sports that excited him. Mike was a self-taught guitarist, enjoying playing the acoustic and electric guitars throughout his life. He would often sing for his friends and family, bringing the Beatles or Tom Petty or the Stones to life in living rooms near and far.

Mike’s most recent role was of grandfather – aka “Boppy” – to his beloved 5-year-old sidekick, Calliope Conkling. Whether sharing a stage together for a very special COVID “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” celebration at home or her reminding him that he’s “older than baseball” – a phrase he gave to himself – they loved being silly together. She wants to play electric guitar just like him when she grows up.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Gargan; his daughter, Colleen Conkling, his son-in-law, David Conkling, and his granddaughter, Calliope Conkling; his sister, Helene Gargan; our dear family friend, Mary Ann; his brother, Bob Gargan, and his husband, David Bernstein. And last but not least, his tiny little shih tzu friend who he lovingly called “his little girl,” Dyna (aka “Dynamite”).

A gregarious, outgoing fellow, Mike loved nothing more than sharing a good laugh with old friends. His stories were epic and many. He is deeply loved and will be truly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Mary’s Church, 115 Crescent Street, Quincy, Monday September 18 at 10:30 AM. Family and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE Sunday September 17 from 3-5 PM. Burial Cedar Grove Cemetery.