Michael D. Fletcher of North Kingstown Dies at 28

Michael D. Fletcher of North Kingstown Dies at 28

Michael D. Fletcher, 28, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

 

Born in Providence and a lifelong resident of North Kingstown, Michael was the beloved son of Gordon W. and Sharon H. Fletcher. He is also survived by his brother, Stephen N. Fletcher, and sister-in-law, Sarah.

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Michael was a graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School, Class of 2016, and attended the University of Rhode Island. In his professional life, he worked as a Project Engineer at Arden Engineering, where over the past year, he flourished in his role and took great pride in the work he was doing and the people he worked alongside.

 

Michael was adventurous by nature and lived life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a constant desire to experience more of the world around him. That spirit first took shape on the waters of Narragansett Bay. From the age of seven, he sailed competitively and joyfully, growing up through the Wickford Yacht Club Sailing Program and remaining deeply connected to it throughout his life. He eventually became a junior sailing coach, sharing his knowledge and love of the sport with younger sailors. He also sailed with the FAST team through Sail Newport, competing against some of the top youth sailors in the country. Throughout his life, he competed in countless inshore and offshore races aboard his family's boats - Riptide, GiJima, and Take Two - and was preparing to participate in the 2026 Newport to Bermuda Race. One of his proudest adventures came in 2022 when he sailed across the Atlantic Ocean with his family, an experience that reflected both his love of the sea and the deep bond he shared with those closest to him.

 

His adventurous nature carried into every part of his life. Michael played soccer with the Ocean State Soccer Association and hockey with the URI Junior Rams. He later discovered golf, approaching it with the same energy and enthusiasm he brought to everything he did - always eager to play with friends, or anyone he met along the way. For the past thirteen years, his family’s time at Sunday River became another outlet for adventure, where Michael embraced snowboarding and shared countless days on the mountain with friends and loved ones.

 

Whether on the water, the field, the slopes, or the sky, Michael was drawn to experiences that pushed him beyond the ordinary. He embraced challenges, thrill, and discovery - always looking for the next horizon.

 

While Michael loved adventure, what people will remember most is the way he connected with others. He had a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and had a gift for turning strangers into friends. His kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on countless people. Whether at the Yacht Club, at work, on a ski lift, or meeting someone for the first time, Michael made people feel welcome. He was always willing to lend a hand, share his time, or help someone in need, often without being asked. His bond with his brother, Stephen, was especially strong, and many of his happiest moments were shared with him - particularly on the golf course and in everyday life.

 

Michael's family and friends knew him as fiercely loyal, deeply caring, and unapologetically himself. He brought laughter, energy, and authenticity wherever he went. He left an indelible mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

 

Michael will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his generous heart, his ability to bring people together, and the joy he brought to every room - and every shoreline - he stood upon. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

 

A visitation will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, from 5- 7 p.m. with words of remembrance at 6pm in the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown, RI.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Wickford Sailing Association, 165 Pleasant St., North Kingstown, RI 02852, would be appreciated.