Michael Federman

Michael H. Federman of Westborough, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and popular member of the community, has passed away after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

Mike, who was 78, died peacefully at his home in Westborough on Friday with his loving wife of 50 years, Toby, by his side.

Mike, the son of the late Nathan and Edna Federman, was born in Brooklyn on May 24, 1937, and grew up in Brookline, Mass. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history and master’s degree in journalism from Boston University, and served in the U.S. Air Force reserves, where he was briefly activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

After college, Mike worked as a reporter for a business wire service before joining the Thom McAnn shoe company in Worcester, where he was director of public relations. In the late 1980s, he opened his own public relations firm, which he continued to operate until retiring a few years ago.

Mike and Toby moved to Westborough some 45 years ago and became active in the community. He headed a number of professional organizations, volunteered with local charities and was a founder of Congregation B’nai Shalom.

Mike loved Cape Cod, where he had a vacation home, and went on countless road trips with Toby. But his favorite place was being at home in Westborough. Although Michael slowed down in the last few years, he never complained about his illness, serving as an inspiration to many with his friendly and upbeat demeanor.

In addition to Toby, Mike is survived by his sons, Josef, husband of Carmit and parents of Avia, Uri and Elnatan Federman of Jerusalem, Israel; Aaron, of Somerville; and Daniel, husband of Jennifer and parents of Alex, of Tiburon, Calif. Mike was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Cohn; and leaves a warm, extended family.

A  service will take place at Congregation B’nai Shalom, 117 East Main Street, in Westborough, on Monday, March 7, at 10 a.m.Burial will take place at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon, MA.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Mike’s memory to either Congregation B’nai Shalom or the Westborough Senior Center