A lifelong Bristolian, Michael graduated from Bristol High School in 1981 and went on to study Mechanical Engineering at Roger Williams College. He has spent nearly 40 years serving in various leadership roles in technical marketing and product management and is currently the Head of Public Relations at IGUS in East Providence.

Michael's commitment to preserving and celebrating Bristol's rich heritage is evident in his role as the town's official Town Crier, a position he assumed in 2015 from Gerry MacNeil, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Jim Rielly, who served from 1975 to 1989. This dedication to community service extends through his various leadership positions, including Past Chairman of the Bristol Christmas Festival Committee, Past Board Member of WaterFire Providence, Board Member of the Bristol Statehouse Foundation, and Committee Member of the Bristol 250th Commission.

Michael is also a Past Parrish Council Member at St. Mary's Church and Fourth Degree Knight of the Bristol Knights of Columbus - Council 379.
 

Perhaps Michael's most notable contributions center around his dedication to spreading Christmas joy and charitable giving in his role as Santa Claus. It was 1971, with some help from his grandfather, when 8-year-old Michael first donned the red suit. Since then, Michael has appeared as Santa Claus wherever needed, bringing joy and creating lasting memories for children of all ages.
 

His contribution to the Christmas community is well-recognized – he is a graduate of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School, the St. Nicholas Institute, and the International University of Santa Claus -- earning him the distinction of being "Rhode Island's premier Santa."
 

In 2007, he founded the ClausNet Santa Claus Network, which has grown to become the largest online community for Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus portrayers, with over 100,000 members worldwide. 

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His dedication to the spirit of Christmas was further immortalized in the 2013 documentary "They Wore The Red Suit," which featured both Michael and his grandfather James D. Rielly. 
 

In 2015, he was knighted into the Benevolent Order of the Knights of St. Nicholas and in 2017, Michael founded the James D. Rielly Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization named in honor of his grandfather. As President and Chief Merriment Officer, he leads the foundation's mission to support children and families of military personnel, veterans and first responders in need. 
 

In 2019, Michael's achievements and contributions to this cherished tradition were formally recognized with his induction into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame, joining his grandfather, who was inducted in 2010. 

In 2022, Michael launched the Bristol Santa House, a program of the James D. Rielly Foundation that offers a completely unique and accessible holiday experience -- free of charge -- for children and adults with disabilities and their families.
 

His recent accolades include the Victoria "Vicki" Van Voast Memorial Award (2022), the Bristol Elks Citizen of the Year Award (2023), and the Dottie Cordeiro Spirit of Christmas Award (2023).

Michael shares his life's journey with his wife, Patty, and his children, Sean and Meghan. His story is not just about personal achievement but about the power of family legacy, community service, and the enduring spirit of giving that makes Bristol such a special place to call home.