Michael Richard Dwyer

Michael was only 41 years old and lived his entire life in the state of Connecticut. He leaves behind two adored daughters, affectionately named after their great-grandmothers, Pearl Marie and Anne Victoria. Mike was a dedicated father, and his love and dreams for his daughters were deep and will live on. He also leaves behind a sister, Erin Burgo, her husband, Scott, and their children, Sophia, Alexa and Ryan, who live in the state Mike despised most, New Jersey. Additionally mourning his passing are several aunts, uncles and cousins. Michael was predeceased by Murphy, a pit-bull mix that showed nothing but love and affection to Mike her entire life.

The beautiful shoreline town of Old Saybrook is the place Michael and his family will always call home. In his youth, summer days were spent with neighborhood friends, improving their aim by way of the lattice work surrounding his family’s above ground pool. Summer evenings were spent with the crew from Beaver Dam playing kick the can and doorbell ditch. Some of Mike’s best family memories were made watching the Hartford Whalers and taking long drives in the family’s candy cane themed Chevy Beauville van to Holden Beach, NC, complete with a cooler full of egg salad sandwiches and Crystal Light, and an empty coffee can should nature call. Camping in the family’s pop-up in Lake George, visiting family in Vermont, riding the ferry to Block Island and taking trips to Niagara Falls in the warmth of February round out the good times, along with countless hours boating on the Connecticut River where it meets the Sound.

When he was older, Michael spent summers detailing yachts alongside his sister. To everyone’s complete surprise, he never pushed her overboard. Michael graduated from the University of Connecticut and was living in Tolland, CT at the time of his passing, in a home with beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, in which Mike took great pride, and, wouldn’t you know, an above-ground pool. Mike was also an excellent cook and especially enjoyed making soups and the most delicious Chicken Francese.

Left to mourn his passing is a very special person who came into Michael’s life last year, Nadia. His love for and desire to protect Nadia was made quickly apparent the minute he armed her with a Costco-sized can of bear spray, just in case the woods of Connecticut should ever compare to the wilds of Alaska. Michael and Nadia truly loved each other, and we take comfort knowing he was happy. She instantly became and will always remain a special part of our family. What a gift Michael has given us by bringing Nadia to our family.

Beneath the humor is a ton of pain. We are not quite ready yet to say our final good-bye, but when we are, we will let you know. We do know that Mike will be laid to rest beside his dad in Old Saybrook, and we are consoled to know they are surrounded by such good company.

As an organ donor, Michael will live on in others, and knowing this brings us comfort, as he always looked to help other people. Please reach out to those you see struggling and offer a helping hand. It may make all the difference.