Michael Anthony Mentuck, “Umpie,” a lifelong resident of Marblehead, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by family at the age of 81 on February 7, 2021, after a brief illness.
Mike graduated Hebron Academy in 1957 and attended Tufts University before taking a job with Underwriters Salvage Corporation as a salvor. He worked with George M. Ruddy and Company for
many years as manager of the Boston and Montreal offices. In 1980 Mike opened his own company, Michael A. Mentuck & Associates, Inc. and ran that company up until his passing. Mike was very well known in the insurance salvage industry and was involved in leadership positions for numerous industry and professional groups. He traveled extensively during his career visiting every state, 10 Canadian provinces, and 38 countries and territories including China, Guam, Europe, the Caribbean and South America providing salvage and other services to various insurance companies.
Mike was a mainstay on the Marblehead waterfront and enjoyed spending time on his boat ELIZABETH M., which he often volunteered for charitable organizations including Wounded Warriors, Anchor to Windward, Sailing Heals and numerous others. He was a lifetime member of the Boston Yacht Club, where he served as the chair of numerous committees before being appointed Commodore in 1989. He was very involved with the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race and as a result of his efforts is one of only two Americans to ever receive an Honorary Membership to the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, the oldest sailing club in the America’s. This is an honor that he was extremely proud of and he will be missed by many at the RNSYS. He served on the Marblehead Harbors and Waters Board and served as Chairman of the Marblehead Fireworks Committee.
Mike was active in many social clubs in town and was at one point the youngest Exalted Ruler of an Elks Lodge (Marblehead) in the country. In 2006 Mike was honored with the Marblehead Harbor Award, in recognition of his extensive philanthropic work with the Marblehead waterfront. In 2020 he was named Mariner of the Year by the Mariners Club of Massachusetts. He was a Mason and an active member of the Gerry Five VFA. He was a regular of the morning crew at The Driftwood Restaurant and a member of the Wharf Rats Society (Boston Station).
For Mike, his happiest, most rewarding days were spent on the ELIZABETH M. with his beloved wife, his children, and grandchildren. Mike was born to Elsie and John Mentuck on May 22, 1939, in Swampscott. Though Mike achieved several honors in his lifetime his proudest accomplishment
was his family, whom he adored. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth (Johnson); four sons and their wives Michael and Pamela of Marblehead, Todd and Amanda of Swampscott, Doug and Debra of Swampscott, and Jeff and Brett of Salem; nine grandchildren Taylor, Michael, Courtney, Alexandra, Allison, Douglas, Paige, Megan and Max; along with five great-grandchildren. He leaves his sister Patricia Hayes, and brother John Mentuck.
ARRANGEMENTS: A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Anchor to Windward (anchortowindward.org).
For more information or online guestbook, please visit MurphyFuneralHome.com.
