Michael David Frechette

Michael D. Frechette, 71, of Killingworth, beloved husband of Susan Frechette, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021 of Covid-19 related causes. Michael was born in New London to Arthur Frechette and Doris Barnard Frechette on September 9, 1949. He graduated from Cheshire High School in 1967 and was salutatorian. He attended Bucknell University for a period of time, and then was drafted into the Army in 1969. After two years in the service he attended the University of New Haven and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English and met his future wife, Susan. After college Mike started a career in finance working for the Department of the Navy at the Naval Submarine Base in New London. He earned an MBA at Rensselaer Polytechnic and his career with the Navy spanned forty years, the last eight years working at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC. Michael and Susan were married for forty seven years. Together they bought their first home in Killingworth in 1977 and have lived in Killingworth ever since.

Mike retired from his government career in 2014 and throughout his retirement had been very busy enjoying varied interests. He had been a stamp collector since childhood. In retirement, he became an active member of the New Haven Philatelic Society and has been president of the organization for the past five years. He also developed an interest in photography when he was a teen. After retirement he joined the Coastal Camera Club and exhibited photos in many club exhibits and shows. Mike was an excellent clarinet player, a talent he acquired in high school. As an adult he played with community bands while working in New London and was currently giving clarinet lessons to his grandson. Mike also was a self-taught guitarist and loved playing his guitar in the evenings after working on photographs or on his stamp projects.

In addition to his wife Susan, Mike is survived by his daughter Faith Anne McMahon of Moodus, son-in-law Kenneth and Mike’s two grandsons, Dylan and Ethan. He also leaves two brothers, Thomas Frechette of Cheshire and William Frechette of Raleigh, North Carolina and sister-in-law Malinda as well as his mother-in-law Theresa Costello of East Hampton, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Francis and Pam Costello, and nieces Jennifer Frechette Roberts and Katie Costello and nephews Daniel Frechette and Tyler Costello.

Arrangements are being handled by the Swan Funeral Home in Clinton. A private burial will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery in Killingworth.