Michael Francis

Bryant

Michael Francis Bryant, 69, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on August 25, 1957, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, Michael was the son of the late Raymond Bryant and Carol (Scopa) Bryant. He was born and raised in Greenfield, where his story began and many of his earliest memories and lifelong relationships were formed.

In 2003, Michael met Shauna (Pasciuti) Bryant while they were both working at Overnite Transportation. What began as a workplace meeting grew into a love and partnership spanning more than two decades. The two married in September 19, 2015, continuing the life and family they had built together.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Shauna (Pasciuti) Bryant.

He was the father of Brooke Bryant and her partner, Juan; Christopher Bryant and his wife, Allyson; the late Alexandra Bryant; Michaela (Bryant) Lui and her husband, Polito; Cody Bryant and his wife, Jessica; the late Zsatara (Savard) Applegate and her husband Geoffrey Applegate; and Thomas Savard. To Michael, there was never a need to distinguish between children and stepchildren. They were simply his children, each holding their own place in his heart.

Michael also leaves behind 14 beloved grandchildren: Damien Bryant, Nevaeh Gagne, and Aariyah Elie, children of Brooke; Evelyn Bryant and Beauden Bryant, children of Christopher; Brady Lui, Alexander Lui, Leilani Lui, and Benjamin Lui, children of Michaela; Reilly Bryant, daughter of Cody; Nathanael Applegate, son of his late daughter, Zsatara; and Mariah Lui, Gabrielle Lui (fiancé Cody Ledoux), and Abigail Lui, whom Michael welcomed and loved as his own granddaughters.

He was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Alex Bryant, daughter of his grandson Damien Bryant and Damien's wife, Amara.

Michael is further survived by his siblings, Geoffrey Bryant, Timothy Bryant, Shelley Bryant, Joel Bryant, and Jeremy Bryant. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Carol Bryant, and his beloved daughters, Alexandra Bryant and Zsatara (Savard) Applegate.

Family was at the heart of Michael's life, although his definition of family was never limited to bloodlines, marriage, or traditional titles. He had a remarkable way of welcoming people into his world and making them feel as though they belonged. Whether someone was born into his family or became part of it along the way, Michael never saw a reason to make a distinction. If he loved you, you were family. It really was that simple.

Donna Bryant, mother of Brooke and Christopher, also holds a special place within the family. Her love extended beyond her own children, embracing Michaela, Cody, and their children as family. The unique bond they shared was beautifully reflected when Donna served as Shauna's maid of honor at Michael and Shauna's wedding, a testament to the love and respect that brought their family together beyond traditional roles or titles.

Another reflection of Michael's character was his special bond with Noah Shedd, the younger brother of Michaela and Cody. Though not biologically related, Michael welcomed Noah into his life as an infant, including him in weekends with his siblings, snowmobiling, camping, and family gatherings. Noah grew up affectionately calling him “Uncle Mike,” a bond that continued into adulthood, including a fishing trip up north in recent years. Michael never questioned whether Noah belonged in his family. He simply made sure he did.

Michael was an incredibly hardworking man who took pride in everything he did and never hesitated to lend a hand wherever one was needed. Throughout his life, he worked in various trades, including the railroad, roofing, and landscaping, before building a career as a truck driver with Overnite Transportation, later known as UPS Freight. He remained with the company until his retirement, forming countless friendships along the way, many of which lasted a lifetime. Even after retiring, Michael continued working part-time at A. Duie Pyle, loading trucks on the docks, often alongside his wife, Shauna, who also worked evening dock shifts in addition to driving trucks for the company. Michael genuinely enjoyed the people he worked with, forming new friendships and finding the same sense of camaraderie that had meant so much to him throughout his career.

Even after long hours behind the wheel, Michael was rarely one to sit still. His weekends were often spent landscaping, helping family and friends with home repairs, or taking on whatever side job someone needed a hand with. He was generous with his time, his talents, and whatever he had to give. Helping others wasn't something he did for recognition or praise; it was simply part of who he was.

Perhaps what people will remember most about Michael wasn't how hard he worked, but how he made them feel. He had a huge smile, a loud, contagious laugh, and a sense of humor often accompanied by a healthy dose of sarcasm. Michael was a hugger through and through. If you extended your hand to shake his, chances were he'd pull you in for a hug instead. His warmth, humor, and genuine affection were among the many things that made him so loved by those fortunate enough to know him.

Michael had a lifelong love for the outdoors and the adventures that came with it, but what made those experiences most meaningful was the people he shared them with. For years, winter meant snowmobiling trips north to Colebrook, New Hampshire, with family and friends, or gathering at his home in Weare for a day of riding together. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, whether heading out simply for the enjoyment of the ride or sharing the road with friends from his church family. In recent years, he returned to another outdoor passion, hunting, alongside men he considered his brothers in Christ.

Camping was one of Michael's most cherished family traditions. Although his family explored many campgrounds over the years, Acres of Wildlife in Steep Falls, Maine, always held a special place in their hearts. For more than 30 years, they returned year after year, often spending a week or more surrounded by family, friends, and people who eventually became family themselves. Whether sitting around the campfire telling stories, laughing until it hurt, singing karaoke, or getting into a little good-natured mischief, Michael was often right in the middle of the shenanigans. His unmistakable laugh and sense of humor made even the simplest moments memorable, creating stories and traditions that would be shared for generations.

In October 2026, despite his declining health, Michael was determined to make one last trip to Acres of Wildlife over Columbus Day weekend. He planned the trip himself, eagerly anticipated it, and made it clear that he was going no matter what. True to his word, he did just that. Surrounded once again by the familiar faces and lifelong friends who had become such an important part of his life, Michael was able to enjoy one final visit to a place filled with decades of memories. What had always been a beloved family tradition became one last, irreplaceable memory for those fortunate enough to share it with him.

Whether it was a snowmobiling trip, a motorcycle ride, a week spent camping, or a summer afternoon at home, Michael was always finding ways to bring people together. A few summers ago, he even purchased a swimming pool, creating yet another reason for family and friends to gather at his house. For Michael, it was never about doing anything extravagant. It was about having everyone together, sharing stories, laughing, making memories, and enjoying the simple gift of each other's company.

Michael's faith was an important part of his life, and his church family at Weare Christian Church held a special place in his heart. He was deeply loved by his congregation, where he was much more than a familiar face on Sunday mornings. He generously gave his time helping with the youth group and volunteering at Vacation Bible School, sharing his warmth, humor, and kindness with the younger members of the church. Whether lending a helping hand, sharing a laugh, or simply making someone feel welcome, Michael's presence left a lasting impression on those around him.

The friendships Michael formed through Weare Christian Church extended far beyond its walls. These were not simply fellow church members, but cherished friends with whom he shared his faith, laughter, adventures, and everyday life.

Throughout Michael's battle with pancreatic cancer, his church family surrounded him with extraordinary love and support. They showed up in countless ways, offering prayers, encouragement, helping him get to medical appointments, and providing comfort and companionship through some of his most difficult days. For a man who had spent so much of his life giving to others, it was especially meaningful to see that same compassion and generosity extended to him when he needed it most.

Among those who provided exceptional love and care was Shauna's uncle, John Pasciuti, affectionately known as "Uncle John." With incredible selflessness and devotion, John moved into Michael and Shauna's home to help care for Michael throughout his illness. He accompanied him to appointments, prepared meals, provided companionship, ensured his safety, and took on household responsibilities Michael could no longer manage. John's presence brought comfort, reassurance, and stability during an incredibly difficult time. His unwavering dedication, countless sacrifices, and extraordinary compassion will never be forgotten, and Michael's family will forever be grateful for the love and care he so generously gave.

Michael's family will also forever be grateful to the congregation of Weare Christian Church for the unwavering love, friendship, and care they showed him. Their kindness was a reflection of the faith and fellowship that meant so much to him.

His family takes comfort in knowing that Michael's earthly suffering has come to an end and in their belief that he is now at peace, reunited with loved ones who went before him.

Although pancreatic cancer became part of Michael's story, it was never the entirety of who he was. His life was so much more than his illness. It was the miles traveled, the work of his hands, the friendships made along the way, the adventures shared, the family he helped build, and the countless lives made a little brighter simply because he was part of them.

For those who loved him, his absence will be felt in the everyday moments. In the familiar sound of a laugh they wish they could hear once more, the hugs they would give anything to have again, the conversations left unfinished, and the milestones they wish he could be here to witness.

But Michael's legacy will live on. In the stories shared around family gatherings, in the memories of camping trips, snowmobiling adventures, motorcycle rides, and days spent outdoors, in the friendships that stood the test of time, and in the generations of family who will continue to carry his love forward.

He lived with open arms, a generous heart, and a laugh that will never be forgotten. And while his family would give anything for one more hug, they will forever be grateful for every one he gave.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Matthew 25:21

A Memorial Service honoring Michael's life will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, beginning promptly at 11:00 a.m. at the Weare Christian Church Ministry Building, 325 N. Stark Highway, Weare, NH 03281.

A Celebration of Life gathering will immediately follow the service at the same location.

In the spirit of Michael's love for bringing people together, all are welcome to join us in celebrating his life, sharing stories, remembering the laughter, and honoring a man who meant so much to so many.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, Manchester. To view Michael's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.