Michael Anthony Iavarone Jr.

Michael A. Iavarone Jr., husband, father, Pop Pop, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the age of 70. Mike was born on December 2, 1955, in Middletown, Connecticut, and spent his life living by the water in Clinton, CT.

Mike most recently worked as a high school educator at East Haven High School, but also spent 20 years running his own business designing and selling fire trucks and ambulances. He began his service with the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department as a junior fireman and held many titles over the years, including Assistant Chief, Deputy Fire Marshal, and Honorary Member.

After receiving his education degree, Mike began his teaching career at Valley Regional High School, while simultaneously teaching Firefighter I and II at the fire academy on weekends. He later worked at Rocky Hill High School and, most recently, East Haven High School, where he enjoyed building programs to empower students to reach their full potential. He built confidence in his students with an animated and fun-loving approach, while sharing his passion for hands-on work with everyone who entered his classroom. He truly believed every student had a place in his classroom and pushed them to be their best selves.

In addition to being in the classroom, Mike served on many boards and committees. He was a member of the Connecticut Department of Education Bureau of Teaching and Learning and the International Technology Education and Engineering Association, where he helped develop standards for automotive and wood technology. He was also a member of the Connecticut Technology and Engineering Education Association and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, serving on committees related to community resource standards.

In 2021, Mike was named Teacher of the Year for East Haven Public Schools, received the “Special Recognition Award” at the CTEEA Annual Conference, and was featured in the East Haven Courier as “Person of the Week.” He was also selected by students multiple years in a row as “Most Likely to Be Called Dad,” and could often be seen dressed as Santa Claus at annual holiday functions.

Mike could often be found spending time with his family on and off the water, including on trips to Vermont and Los Angeles. He loved sharing his passion for boating with his grandsons, Lucas and Benjamin, followed by a cold bowl of ice cream. Mike enjoyed cooking, working outdoors, and taking trips to Newport with his wife, Pat.

Mike is survived by his wife, Patricia Iavarone, of Clinton, CT; daughter, Tina (Tim) Carr, of Cambridge, VT; son, Michael Iavarone III, of Los Angeles, CA; and grandsons, Lucas and Benjamin Carr, of Cambridge, VT. He is also survived by his father, Michael Iavarone Sr., of Clinton, and his sister, June Sefchick, of Northwest Palm Beach, FL. He was predeceased by his mother, Frances Iavarone.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Hartford Hospital for the care and compassion they showed Mike in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a service at Swan’s Funeral Home in Clinton on Monday, March 30, 2026. Visitation with the family will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a short service at the funeral home to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mike’s honor to the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department.