Michael J. McCluskey, Big Mac, or Papa Lou, as his nearest and dearest knew him, passed away at the age of 72 on Sunday, June 11, in his East Dennis home, a self-styled Organic Homestead.

Michael was born in Boston, Mass., to William J. McCluskey and Pauline M. McCluskey on May 4, 1951. He went to Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, where he earned a reputation as a star athlete for his, to hear him tell it, physics-defying feats in basketball, baseball, and, most notably, as quarterback for the football team. He graduated in 1969 and went on to play football at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.

He became a father to his eldest son, Ryan, in 1977, and married the love of his life, Linda Crosby, whom he first dated in high school, in 1987. His younger son, Daniel, and daughter, Megan, were born in 1989 and 1991, respectively. His wife and children were the lights of his life—and he made sure they knew it.

His passion for sustainability led him to found Cape Save Weatherization alongside his brother, William, in 2009. He was a talented golfer much of his life—winning the 1993 Town of Yarmouth Championship—and later, an avid senior softball player and organizer.

Michael is survived by his wife Linda, sons Ryan and Daniel, daughter Megan, daughter-in-law Martha, brother William and his wife Molly, sisters Kathleen, Paula and her husband Stephen, and Patrice, a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and adoring family dog Ellie (who will miss licking his dinner bowl every night). He is preceded in death by his father William, mother Pauline, and brother Timothy.

All who loved him knew him as someone who could command a room with wit, wisdom, or a combination of both. His family in particular will forever remember him as knowing everything about sports, crying at the drop of a movie quote, and singing his life. Our beloved Papa Lou, we know you’re in the far green country now.

A celebration of his life will be held at Dennis Highlands Golf Course, 825 Old Bass River Rd, Dennis, MA. 02638 on Friday, June 16, from 1:30 pm to 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Housing Assistance Corporation of Cape Cod, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, or another charitable organization of your choice.

Our deepest condolences to the McCluskey & Cape Save family. Mike has been a loyal friend and supporter of Housing Assistance for many, many years. He will be greatly missed. The staff & board of Housing Assistance

One of the things Michael did often and well was lampooning. It could be about the guy behind the counter at the local tire place not eating vegetables to something that just showed up in the news. It was done with kindness which speaks to Michael's generous heart. He was always trying to make the world a more welcoming place.

Dear Linda and Family, My heart is so with you. ❤️

So sad to hear of your/our loss Mike was a good friend and great mentor I will miss seeing him but will look forward to reuniting one day