WORCESTER Michael J. Vessella, 53, passed away Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at St. Vincent Hospital after a long and courageous battle with ALS.

He leaves his loving wife of 27 years, Dawn M. (Pepper) Vessella, and their three beautiful daughters, Maria C., Emily A., and Rebecca L. Vessella. He also leaves several loving aunts, cousins and friends.

He was born in Ware, the son of the late Michael S. and Philomena A. (Petruzzi) Vessella. He was raised on Brigham Road in Worcester, was an active member of Christ the King Church, and graduated from Doherty Memorial High School and Quinsigamond Community College.

Michael worked at Bay Path Vocational Technical High School in Charlton for eight years, where he taught the related class in the Automotive Department. He previously worked at Gallo Oldsmobile for 25 years, and Home Depot in Auburn. He was a member of Alhambra Council Knights of Columbus 88, where he served as Grand Knight in 1984 and 1985 and organized the horseshoe league. He was a race car fan, and enjoyed golfing and gardening, but most of all, Michael was a family man. He loved spending time with his girls.

Michael’s funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, June 13 from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle Street, with a Mass at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. Visiting hours are Tuesday, June 12 from 4-8 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Champion Fund and mailed to UMASS Medical School, Attn: Dr. Robert Brown/Room S5-755, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655. These donations will help further ALS research.