City's former Rochester Main Street director dies unexpectedly at the age of 73

Michael A. Provost (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester today is mourning the death of Michael A. Provost, a former Rochester Main Street director. who played a pivotal role in guiding the organization during the city's downtown revitalization.

A statement put out by city officials today said his "vision, energy, and community spirit will be deeply missed," and called Provost a "downtown champion and innovative and collaborative leader."

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Laura Ring said that Prescott was a true professional and passionate about his work.

"When Mike came to work as director of Main Street he pulled people together and trained many Main Street people who were on the board," Ring said today. "He created many city events like Cleanup Day, the Zombie Walk and Concerts on the Square. Along with Matt Wyatt he also created Pride Day."

Provost, 73, died unexpectedly on Thursday at York (Maine) Hospital.

He was a graduate of Oyster River High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in resource administration management from UNH.

Before coming to Rochester he owned the Rockingham Ballroom and Victoria Catering. He also guided the Lamprey Heritage Tours in Newmarket.

Provost also worked for many years on economic development initiatives with the National Main Street Program in Newmarket, Jaffrey and Dover.

According to his obituary, Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home & Crematory, 77 Exeter Road (Route 108), Newmarket.

A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery, Newmarket.