Son of Edward and Mildred (Moyer) Naughton, he graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1957. He attended St. John’s University, joined the Benedictine Order and was ordained a priest in 1966. He celebrated his First Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Marshalltown.

Initially serving as a priest in several parishes in Minnesota he then received an MA in counseling at Kansas State University. He returned to St. John’s teaching for several years and serving as University Chaplain. After a three year assignment at a Benedictine monastery in the Bahamas, Father Michael returned to St. John’s as Director of the Liturgical Press for 12 years, later serving as administrator of an abbey in Richmond, VA. His next assignment was as Prior at Saint Anselmo Abbey in Rome. After five years, he returned to Minnesota where he served as pastor of two churches before retiring.

Father Michael was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Donovan Naughton.

A Memorial Mass will be held for him at St. Mary’s Church on October 18.