Michael W. Lynch,

Michael W. Lynch, Jr., 78, of East Hartford, loving husband of 55 years of Virginia “Ginny” (Johnson) Lynch, peacefully took his last tractor ride to be reunited with his son Stephen on Friday, May 6, 2016. Born in Hartford on January 19, 1938, a son of the late Michael W. and Marion (Wright) Lynch, he had been a life-long resident of East Hartford. Michael was a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1957 and a proud veteran of the U.S. Air National Guard. Prior to his retirement, Michael was employed for 36 years by Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford. He was also a farmer in the East Hartford/South Windsor area which was his lifelong love as he owned and operated Lynch Farm. Michael was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus-Council #1831, East Hartford, a former member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, East Hartford, and an honorary member of the East Hartford Lions Club.

Michael dedicated over 60 years to the Boy Scouts of America where he was a former Troop Leader of several troops in East Hartford and the local Connecticut River District. He held numerous volunteer positions on the District level and was the recipient of the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. He was also a vigil member of the Order of the Arrow within Boy Scouts of America. Most of all, Michael was a devoted and proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his family and especially enjoyed supporting and spending time with his entire family and dear friends.

Along with his beloved wife Ginny, Michael is survived by three children, Timothy Michael Lynch of East Hartford, Karen L. Petrella and her husband Tony of East Hartford, Sherry L. Fortin of Manchester; ten cherished grandchildren, Anthony, Joseph, and Michael Petrella, Kayla, Michael, and Stephanie Fortin, Ashley, Salena, and Zylund Lynch, and Jessy Sica; six adored great-grandchildren, Dominic, Nevaeh, Joseph Jr., Gabe, Kailani, and Leo. He also leaves a brother, Gary Lynch and his wife Judy of Jamestown, TN; a sister, Barbara Ferraro of Jacksonville, FL; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Besides his parents, Michael was predeceased by a son, Stephen “Stevie” H. Lynch of East Hartford.

Funeral service will be Wednesday (May 11, 2016) with a celebration of Michael’s life at 10:30 am at the D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at Veteran’s Memorial Field-Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Tuesday (May 10, 2016) from 3-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Michael’s name may be made to Boy Scout Troop 1, 837 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.