L. Michael “Mike” Aylward, died in Naples, Fla., on April 21.
Mr. Aylward grew up in Watertown and Milton and was a graduate of Milton High School, class of 1944, and Thayer Academy, Braintree.
An athlete, he played football in school and for the Milton Merchants.
A Marine Corps corporal and veteran of World War II, he took part in the Iwo Jima invasion.
The retired president and founder of Val-Pak of New England, Mr. Aylward also was a member of Milton American Legion Post 114 and the Randolph Amvets Post 0051.
He is survived by his wife, Lee F. (Roffo) Aylward; his children; Michael Aylward and his wife, Debra,of Hanover, James Aylward and his wife, Susie, of Rockland, Joan Aylward, of Watertown, and Glen Aylward and his wife, Robyn, of East Bridgewater; his grandchildren, Stephen Melchin, Michael Aylward, Kerri Aylward, Richard Aylward, Colin Aylward, Samantha Aylward, Kevin Aylward and Kalan Aylward; and his brother, John P. “Jack” Aylward, of Melrose.
He was the father of the late Kevin Aylward and the brother of the late Jane Hersee, Nancy Bergen, Marie Aylward, Alfred Aylward, Francis X.J. Aylward, Walter Aylward and James Aylward.
A funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Agatha Church on April 26. Burial was in Milton Cemetery.
Donations may be made to St. Agatha Church Renovation Fund, 432 Adams St., Milton, MA 02186.
Arrangements were by the Alfred D. Thomas
Funeral Home.