Obituaries
Michael Francis Furno
September 25, 2025
North Haverhill, NH - Michael Francis Furno, 70, of North Haverhill, passed away at Grafton County Nursing Home on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, after his battle with dementia.
Mike was born on September 1, 1955, in Northbridge, MA, to Anthony and Lucille (Chaput) Furno.
Mike attended school in the Douglas school system and ended at the Blackstone Valley Technical School in Upton. He started his working career as a mechanic, but expanded his career track to include car salesman, long haul trucker in which he was able to go to 48 of the 50 states, a restaurant owner (Mr. Mike'sPizza), and then as an oil and gas technician. However, his favorite ¯b7as helping family and friends build and race at area tracks, first at Thompson Raceway and concluding at Bear Ridge Speedway.
He had a friend, Mike Green, who introduced him to the Upper Valley area in 1992. Mike instantly fell in love with the area, and moved his family here within a week. After being introduced to Mr. C.V. (Butch) Elms, Mike made lifelong friends and started a lifetime career at Bear Ridge Speedway. First running the pizza trailer, then moving on to the flagman position, later announcing in Victory Lane. You could find Mike at Bear Ridge every Saturday during the racing season, for 30 years! Mike was put into the Bear Ridge Hall of Fame in 2023.
Mikeàcalm, caring and loving presence made it easy for children and animals to trust him. He had many animal companions and a multitude of children, and family friends he parented in his lifetime.
He is survived by his wife Wendy Clark; and his children, Michelle Spadea (Jeff), Valerie Lund (Tucker Sweet), Karen Cornell, Thomas Lund, Tonya Gadwah (Mikey), Madeline Gadwah, godson Colby Martin, and goddaughters Katelyn Kibbe and Jennifer Josselin. Mike was blessed with 11 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. His surviving brothers are David Furno (Patti), John Furno (Christine), and his sisters Tina Egan (Tim) and Tammy Murray (Christopher).
Mike was predeceased by his father Anthony Furno in 1980, and his mother Lucille Furno in 1988; his sibling Joseph ¡rney/n July 30, 2008, Carl on April 27, 2012, Cindy on December 30, 2014, and Robin on November 20, 2019.
A Celebration of Life, potluck style, will be held at Bear Ridge Speedway, 1058 Kidder Road, Bradford, VT, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Please come and share your memories of Mike at this time.
To offer the family an online condolence, please visit www.rickerfh.com
Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Woodsville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mike was born on September 1, 1955, in Northbridge, MA, to Anthony and Lucille (Chaput) Furno.
Mike attended school in the Douglas school system and ended at the Blackstone Valley Technical School in Upton. He started his working career as a mechanic, but expanded his career track to include car salesman, long haul trucker in which he was able to go to 48 of the 50 states, a restaurant owner (Mr. Mike'sPizza), and then as an oil and gas technician. However, his favorite ¯b7as helping family and friends build and race at area tracks, first at Thompson Raceway and concluding at Bear Ridge Speedway.
He had a friend, Mike Green, who introduced him to the Upper Valley area in 1992. Mike instantly fell in love with the area, and moved his family here within a week. After being introduced to Mr. C.V. (Butch) Elms, Mike made lifelong friends and started a lifetime career at Bear Ridge Speedway. First running the pizza trailer, then moving on to the flagman position, later announcing in Victory Lane. You could find Mike at Bear Ridge every Saturday during the racing season, for 30 years! Mike was put into the Bear Ridge Hall of Fame in 2023.
Mikeàcalm, caring and loving presence made it easy for children and animals to trust him. He had many animal companions and a multitude of children, and family friends he parented in his lifetime.
He is survived by his wife Wendy Clark; and his children, Michelle Spadea (Jeff), Valerie Lund (Tucker Sweet), Karen Cornell, Thomas Lund, Tonya Gadwah (Mikey), Madeline Gadwah, godson Colby Martin, and goddaughters Katelyn Kibbe and Jennifer Josselin. Mike was blessed with 11 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. His surviving brothers are David Furno (Patti), John Furno (Christine), and his sisters Tina Egan (Tim) and Tammy Murray (Christopher).
Mike was predeceased by his father Anthony Furno in 1980, and his mother Lucille Furno in 1988; his sibling Joseph ¡rney/n July 30, 2008, Carl on April 27, 2012, Cindy on December 30, 2014, and Robin on November 20, 2019.
A Celebration of Life, potluck style, will be held at Bear Ridge Speedway, 1058 Kidder Road, Bradford, VT, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Please come and share your memories of Mike at this time.
To offer the family an online condolence, please visit www.rickerfh.com
Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Woodsville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Have a story?
Let's hear it!
(802) 757-2773
(603) 787-2444
news@thebridgeweekly.com