Michael Minsk

Michael (Mike) Steven Minsk Sr., 78 of Bridgewater passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024 with loved ones by his side. Mike had dealt with serious health issues for many years. 

He was born July 31, 1946 in Brockton, Massachusetts. Michael was the beloved son of the late John D. Minsk and Mary Minsk of Brockton. He is survived by his wife Joan Minsk of Bridgewater; daughterJill Smith of Weymouth (Sean), son Michael Minsk Jr. of East Bridgewater (Hannele); granddaughter Emelia Minsk; sister Joanne Thompson of Brockton; brother-in-law Phillip Kelsey and sister-in-law Jean Kelsey of Bridgewater. He was uncle to Michael Thompson, Scott Thompson, John Thompson, Mary Cartwright, Denise Schwechel, John Minsk, Michael Holt, the late Chris Holt, Richard Holt, Kimberly Holt Griffin, Phillip Kelsey Jr. and Lynne Smith.

Michael was preceded in death by his brother John Minsk Jr.and his sisters Nancy and Sandra Minsk.

He graduated from Brockton High School in 1964. Mike served in the U.S. Armed Forces from 1965-1968 during the Vietnam War as part of the 196 th Infantry Brigade. He was deeply affected by this experience for the rest of his life, as were those closest to him.

In his younger days, Mike was a member of the Town River Yacht Club in Quincy. Where he met his lifelong friend and future brother-in-law, Phillip Kelsey. Together Mike, Phil,Eddie Adamson, Glen & Jack McGlaughlin and Dennis Jolicoeur became friends and formed the Jaguar Club. They would find junk Jaguar 120’s, 140’s, Mark VII’s and Mark VIII’s and rebuild them together in Braintree. Then they would use Mike’s father’s welding shop, Brockton Welding on Montello Street in Brockton, to repair and paint the cars.

Mike, Phil and the gang would go to the Demolition Derby off Route 1, Norwood. Phil recalls that one time they were using Phil’s father’s 1949 Buick in the derby. The gas tank fell out during the derby, and so they dragged it off the track and brought into the pits to cut a hole in the floorboards, put a 2-gallon gas can in the back seat and attached it to the gas line. When asked if they went on to win the derby, Phil recalled: “We never won, but we had a lot of fun!”

Not long after, Dennis introduced Mike and Phil to his twin cousins Jean and Joan on a blind date. Their first date was to George’s Island where they were chased off the island by police. Mike and Phil decided the next day to call the girls and set up another date so they could make it up to them. The rest, as they say, is history. On July 21, 1968 there was a double wedding in Quincy, MA. Mike got the girl of his dreams, Joan and Phil got his, Jean. The two families stayed very close through all the years since then. Mike and Joan welcomed two beautiful children to their family, Jill and Michael Jr. (Mick).

Mike enjoyed bowling, shooting practice, and boating. He loved Fords, lobster, frozen colas, going out for ice-cream with his family, and his beloved pets: Missy & Buttons the Poodles and his parrot, Jake. He truly enjoyed going for drives along the ocean. In the 1970’s, Phil and Jean Kelsey introduced the Minsk family to studying the Bible and in 1982 Mike, Joan, Jill and Mick became associated with the Bridgewater Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses where they made many new friends and became part of a worldwide spiritual family.

Mike was very proud of his children and only grandchild. His loving and faithful wife, Joan, cared for him through the hard times and remembers happier times. He leaves behind people who cared for him and did all they could to make his life pleasant despite his pain. The family is relieved that he is no longer in pain and their faith helps them have hope for his future.

The family is thankful for all the messages of condolence and concern. The family would also like to express great appreciation to the medical staff at South Shore Hospital for their diligent and compassionate care. Services will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to JW.org or MSPCA.org.