Michael Aulson

Michael Francis Aulson, of Kensington, New Hampshire, formerly of Beverly, Massachusetts, died peacefully at his home in Kensington, on July 26, 2025, surrounded by his immediate family. He was 88 years old.

Michael was born in Salem, Mass. to the late Rose Mary (Logue) Aulson and the late Philip George Aulson, formerly of Salem, Mass. He was the devoted husband of Mary Alice (Kiley) Aulson for over 24 years. They enjoyed those years in their home together, and they had a special love for watching the birds and abundant wildlife in their backyard. Mike had a lifelong love of entertaining in his home by cooking meals for family and friends while telling boisterous stories and laughing about his past adventures.

Michael graduated from Salem High School in 1954, Providence College with a BS in Business Administration and Management in 1958 and Boston University School of Management in Industrial Management in 1959. He furthered his formal education at Northeastern University’s Center for Continuing Education by completing the Advanced Financial Management course for business executives in 1969. Upon graduation from BU he enlisted in the Army National Guard and served as an Artillery Surveyor with the 102nd Field Artillery Unit of the Massachusetts National Guard, subsequently serving with the 197th Artillery Unit of the New Hampshire National Guard.

After completing his active duty, Michael joined Aulson Tanning Machinery, Co., a business founded by his father in 1909, as a Purchasing Agent. He eventually became the company’s President and diversified the company’s manufacturing and marketing beyond just the hide and leather equipment field. In 1969 he founded SPECO, Inc., which developed and manufactured a widely diversified range of industrial and military products for an extensive array of foreign and domestic customers. His additional entrepreneurial ventures included Lectrox, Corp., Magic Carpet, ADCOM, AllSun Enterprises, Tri-Homo Mixing Equipment, Essex Plastic Machinery, Fitchburg Industrial R.F. Dryers, Aulson Realty Corp., and Mike’s Restaurant.

From his earliest days summering at Hampton Beach and boating in Salem Harbor, Michael developed a lifelong love for saltwater recreation and enjoyed cruising and sport fishing aboard his vessels “OFFISH” and “ALLSUN” and “INA” along the Atlantic Seaboard from Maine to Florida. Having dual U.S. and Irish citizenship, Mike loved traditional Irish folk songs, humor and stories. His wry sense of humor and storytelling prowess were some of his memorable hallmarks.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary Alice Aulson of Kensington, NH; a sister, Mary Julia Aulson of Maryknoll, NY; a son, David A. Aulson, of Beverly, MA; and a stepdaughter, Maureen Johnston, of Concord, NH, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews as well as his beloved dog, Pugsly.

Michael was predeceased by his two daughters, Rose Mary Aulson and Elizabeth Ann Willette; his son, Michael Patrick Aulson; his brother, Philip Joseph Aulson; and his two sisters, Martha Ann Aulson Wood and Patricia Joan Aulson Hubbard.

Michael will be deeply missed, but his love and laughter will live on in our hearts.

A private burial service will be held for the immediate family.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Hampton.