Michael Taccardi passed away peacefully on September 6, 2019, surrounded by family. He was born on April 15, 1930 in the Bronx in New York City. His father, Vito, was an immigrant from Italy, who owned a grocery, and his mother, Dorothy, was a homemaker. Michael has two older siblings—a sister Nancy and brother Francis. Michael’s father died unexpectedly when he was only 15. Michael was subsequently raised by his grandmother, along with his cousins, in Waterbury, Connecticut.
In 1951, Michael enlisted in the Navy, and served aboard an aircraft carrier—the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt—and a submarine—the U.S.S. Redfin—-for four years. After he was discharged, he went to New Haven State Teachers College (now Southern Connecticut State University) and graduated in 1959 with bachelors and masters degrees in Fine Studio Arts. Michael was a devoted art teacher at Westbrook High School and Newington Middle School, where he retired in 1993. Michael’s favorite art medium was leather, and he made beautiful portfolios and other leather goods for his family and friends. He loved teaching and remained connected to many of his former students until the end of his life.
Michael married Sylvia Pawlick on February 5, 1955 and moved to Old Saybrook, Connecticut, where they raised three children—Vicki, Ted, and Tim. They were married for 50 years. Michael loved his kids, and enjoyed raising them near the Long Island Sound. He led his sons’ Boy Scout troop and coached his sons’ baseball teams. He was very active in St. John Catholic Church in Old Saybrook.
In 2005, Michael moved to Norwich, Connecticut. In his retirement, he worked part-time at Mohegan Sun. Michael had an artistic soul, with its own rhythm and beat. Devoutly political, he was passionate about progressive causes, and often wrote to Congress in support of policies he believed in. He was very curious about the world, and traveled in the US and to Europe and the Middle East to explore different cultures.
Michael has two daughters-in-law—Ann Marie (Ted) and Randi (Tim)—and five grandchildren—Lucas, Emma, and Ethan (Ted); and Zak and Jake (Tim)—who he deeply loved. Michael was very grateful for the support of his friends, family, and caregivers from the Center for Hospice Care and Hartford Healthcare Independence at Home at the end of his life.
On Thursday, September 12, the family will be receiving guests at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook, CT, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m, followed by graveside services at Calvary Cemetery, 2324 E. Main St., Waterbury, CT, at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Jake Taccardi YMCA Fund, which was established in memory of Michael’s grandson, Jake, who, like his grandfather, was a devoted and passionate teacher. https://www.ymcadc.org/donations/jake-taccardi-ymca-fund/
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