Michael B. Lichtenstein, 29, of Ashland passed away Wednesday, March 5th, 2025. He was the much beloved son of Bruce Lichtenstein and Cindy Farrell, and best friend to sister, Katie (Lichtenstein) Gambardella. Mike was a graduate of Ashland High School Class of 2013 and was an accomplished athlete in baseball and basketball. He went on to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he double majored in Economics and Public Health. He later received a Master of Science degree in Business and Analytics from the UMass Isenberg School of Management.

Mike began his career at Tiger Capital Group in Boston and was most recently employed as an analyst and manager at Wayfair in Boston. Later, Michael founded the Oak Heritage Consulting Group. Under the group umbrella he introduced the Oak Heritage Fragrance Collection, featuring Mike's hand-poured, custom-blended candles. It was an endeavor that satisfied his creative side, connected him with friends and family, and allowed him to work at his own pace, while fighting the battle of his life.

Mike was always active, meeting most of his lifelong friends at a young age playing soccer, baseball or basketball.  Mike's warm personality, confidence, joy and positive outlook on life attracted people to him. He gradually amassed a huge circle of friends and always welcomed new people into the circle. Mike would do anything for the people in his circle and his love and loyalty were reciprocated tenfold. He was selfless, kind and genuinely proud of his friends' accomplishments, always encouraging their successes. Naturally, Mike was best friend to his golden retriever, Lily, who bonded with him from the moment they met. She could always count on Mike to make her day amusing. In fact, Mike made everything fun and interesting and made life so much better for those around him.

Michael was a positive person who dreamed big and planned in great detail. On any given day you could find Mike on his laptop exploring ideas, forming plans, running the analytics or designing websites for his various business endeavors, always with a mind to the future. Mike was also an avid sports fan and business enthusiast and he passionately followed both sports and financial news reports. In fact, Mike was interested in so many subjects that he could easily strike up a conversation with ease and confidence.

Mike also enjoyed Boston immensely and had favorite places like Charlestown where he lived for two years. He especially loved the view of the city, the restaurants and a portion of the Harborwalk that runs along the water and through the Charlestown Navy Yard.  Mike also cherished the time he spent in York, Maine with close friends. He and his friends would gather there at any time of year to enjoy each other's company and the beautiful ocean views.

But Mike was so much more than any of this. He was the epitome of love, strength and courage and the heart of a close family that loved being together. Mike cherished his family and friends and knew the value of spending time with them. His family meant the world to Mike and he never hesitated to tell them. Mike was infinitely grateful for the opportunity to have met his nephew Tommy, whom he adored. No matter what difficulty the day would bring, Tommy could always cause Mike to forge the broadest smile.

Mike was indeed a good soul; one that was wise beyond his years. He dealt with any problem with the utmost positivity and assurance that things would work out; he would simply keep moving forward. He handled his most recent and greatest challenge with strength, courage, fortitude, composure, selflessness and grace; he never gave up hope, nor his dreams.  Mike made an impact on everyone he met and he will live on through all of us. His passing has left a massive void in the hearts of his family, friends and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember Mike for the positive way he lived and for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. We miss you, Michael. We will love you always and forever.

Michael is survived by his parents, Bruce and Cindy of Ashland, sister, Katie Gambardella and her husband,  Louie, whom Mike loved as a brother, and his nephew and godson, Tommy Gambardella, of Boxford, MA. He is also survived by aunts and uncles, Paul Farrell and Madina Gerasimov of New York, Gail and Frank Moyes of Colorado, Michael Farrell and Madeline Schmitt of New York, Theresa Rosenberg of Pennsylvania, Tim Farrell of Florida, Rick and Sally Lichtenstein of Pennsylvania, as well as many loving cousins from all over the country.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, March 16th from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St, Ashland, MA. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 17th at 11:00 a.m. in St. Cecilia's Church, 54 Etsy St., Ashland, MA. Matarese Funeral Home