Holden - Michael Alan San Antonio, 76, of Holden, Maine, passed away on November 11, 2025, at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, where he was born. He is survived by his wife, the love of his life and soulmate, Nancy; his beloved baby sister Mary; son Micah and son-in-law Brett; his nephews Tony and Mike; and the grandchildren who cracked open the final chapter of his heart—Luca and Jack. Rex the cat also remains in supervisory control of the household. Michael was predeceased by his parents, Gloria and Albert San Antonio, and by his brothers, Gary and Albert.

For 25 years, Michael served as Director of Dining Services at Husson College/University, and for 18 years he advised the Husson Student Government. His foray into food service was an innate calling to service to others, through hospitality, attention to detail, and mentorship. His leadership style was uniquely empowering and brought out the best in people. He spent more of his time listening to his team’s stories, offering a non-judgmental ear and gentle nudges to everyone’s highest potential. They were not workers, they were a family that he had the honor and privilege to serve. To generations of students, he became more than an administrator—he was a mentor, guide, and steady presence. Many have shared how his support during their formative years shaped the adults they would become, and how they now strive to pass on the same grounding influence in their own work with young people. Michael carried a lifelong passion for food and wine outside of his career. For over 40 years, he collected French wines and took pride in understanding and sharing the unique understanding of “terroir” that created such subtle variations. He loved to dine in great food capitals like New Orleans but much preferred to spend the afternoon lovingly crafting a perfectly seasoned etoufee to share with friends and family.

Throughout his life, Michael faced significant health challenges, including six different cancers. He met each one with determination and learned to focus the core of his being, even in moments of great hardship, on the things he was grateful for. Gratitude became his super power and it was contagious and inspirational. Above all, Michael was devoted to his family. Becoming “Grampy” was one of the greatest joys of his life. Time with Luca and Jack brought him deep happiness and pride, a transfer of love in lineage that he stuck around for even when his body said no more.

Michael will be cremated, per his wishes. In lieu of a formal service, the family invites those who wish to honor his memory to consider donations to Cancer Care of Maine or to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, or to share a meal with loved ones in a spirit of connection and gratitude, reflecting the heart of who he was.