Michael R. Mars, Sr., 76, formerly of Cherry Valley, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, February 16th. in Shrewsbury Nursing & Rehab Center after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

His wife of 34 years, Sharon (Rexford) Mars passed away in 2007.

He leaves his sons; Michael Mars, Jr. of North Grafton and Ryan Mars and his wife Jennifer of Holden, his daughter; Kelly Tikka and her husband Michael of Worcester, his sister; Patricia Robitaille and her husband Paul of West Brookfield, three grandchildren; Michael Tikka, Jr., Ryan Mars, Jr. and Johnathan Flynn, and a nephew; Kevin Sloan and family.

Michael was born in Worcester, the son of Alfred and Ruth (Gallagher) Mars and later graduated from Commerce High School and Worcester State College. Michael proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Conflict. Michael worked for Iandolis, later Shaw’s Supermarkets, for over 40 years. He was very active in the Leicester Lions Club and Leicester Little League and was a coach for various Leicester youth sports. He was an avid New England Patriots fan, enjoyed music and in his younger years played drums in a local band.

Funeral services for Michael will be held on Thursday, Feb. 22nd at 11 a.m. in the MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester. A calling hour will precede the service from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.