Michele 'mike' P. Barone

Michele 'Mike' P. Barone, 88, of South Windsor and formerly of East Hartford, loving husband of 60 years to the late Stella (Mancini) Barone, went to join his wife in Heaven on Thursday (January 21, 2010). Born in Hartford on January 6, 1922, a son of the late Nicola and Isabella (Cologiovanni) Barone, he had been a life-long resident of East Hartford prior to moving to South Windsor in 2008. Mike proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed on the U.S.S. Bath in the Asiatic Campaign during World War II. Prior to his retirement in 1984, Mike was employed for 38 years by Northeast Utilities as a Heavy Equipment Operator. Mike was a life-time member, past Exalted Ruler, and Trustee of the former B.P.O.E. Lodge #2063 of East Hartford. After the East Hartford lodge closed, Mike became a member of the Manchester Elks Lodge #1893. Mike was a hard working Elk who held all positions within the ranks and volunteered endless hours on various events. He was also a member of the Italian/American Club in East Hartford, as well as being an avid and loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox. Along with his beloved wife and parents, Mike was predeceased by a sister, Anna Sylvester of Manchester. Mike is survived by his two beloved daughters and their husbands, Patricia and John Fitzgerald of Ashford, Nancy and Joe Walsh of South Windsor; a sister, Antoinette Milano of Wallingford; four special grandchildren, Michael Fitzgerald and Kevin Fitzgerald both of Glastonbury, Joe Walsh III and Kate Walsh both of South Windsor; two dear friends, Sal and Shirley Damiata of East Hartford; many nieces, nephews, and other friends. Funeral services will be Monday, January 25, at 9 a.m. from the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, corner of Maplewood Avenue/Main 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 Sunday, January 24, from 3-6 p.m. Officers and members of the Manchester Elks will conduct an Elks Ritual at 5 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Mike's memory may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 300 Research Parkway, Suite 310, Meriden, CT 06450. Mike's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mike's caregivers, Terry, Sue, and Mary from the Visiting Angels Association along with the compassionate staff at Fox Hill Center (especially Hazel) for their professionalism, care, love and compassion given to Mike and his entire family. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.