Michael L. Sisson
West Yarmouth, MA – Dr. Michael L. Sisson, affectionately known to
many as “Doc” and “Dr. Mike,” passed away peacefully at The Mill Hill
Residence in West Yarmouth, MA, on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the
age of 77.
Born in Greenfield, MA, to the late Dr. Milton and Helaine (née
Epstein) Sisson, Michael was a distinguished student from an early
age. He was the valedictorian of his class at The Bement School and
went on to attend Greenfield High School, where he was a member of the
National Honor Society, manager of the basketball team, and played
lead cornet in the marching band. He earned his undergraduate and
medical degrees from Tufts University. He completed a residency in
general surgery at Rhode Island Hospital through Brown University and
a residency in anesthesiology at what is now Brigham and Women’s
Hospital through Harvard.
Michael’s love for sailing and fishing brought him to Cape Cod, where
he settled in 1979 and began his career as an anesthesiologist at Cape
Cod Hospital. In 1984, at the age of 36, his career was cut short when
he sustained a severe stroke. His journey toward recovery was a
testament to his perseverance and determination, and it was assisted
by the then-new phenomenon of personal computing. He cultivated a
lifelong interest in computer technology from that point on. He
continued to serve his community by volunteering at several local
organizations, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and
the Housing Assistance Corporation.
In addition to innumerable community members and friends, Michael is
survived by his former wife, Linda Frederick, and her husband, Gus;
his two sons, Nicholas Sisson and his wife, Kendra, and Alexander
Sisson; his sister, Joan Gross, of Hartford, CT; two nephews and their
wives; and a great-nephew.
Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be
made in Michael’s name to Tufts University and Cape Cod Hospice Care.
May his memory be for a blessing.