Michael Mennone

"Professor Michael Mennone Jr passed away Sat July 28, 2012. Born March 2, 1928, he was the son of Michael and Raffaella (Romano) Mennone of New Haven, CT. Michael was a graduate of Hillhouse High school and went on to receive a Masters of Music from Yale University in 1955, becoming the school's 1st flute major.

During his time at Yale, Michael was given the prestigious responsibility of flute teacher to Yale's President A. Whitney Griswold. It was thanks to the warm relationship the two developed that the music school received support and funding for its growth under Griswold's stewardship.

An accomplished and regionally recognized flutist, Michael was affiliated with numerous orchestras and ensembles, holding the esteemed position of principle flutist with the Hartford Civic and Hartford Festival Orchestras, the New Haven and Connecticut Symphony Orchestras and the Bridgeport and Waterbury Symphonies.

In addition to his career as a concert musician, Michael spent a lifetime teaching at numerous institutions including Wesleyan University and the Hotchkiss School and was chair of the Woodwind Department of both the Hartford Conservatory and the New Haven Neighborhood Music School. Michael, along with his wife, Nina, later founded the Hillingdon Music School in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. He ended his teaching career at Western Connecticut State University after over 20 years of dedicated service, earning the distinguished title of Professor Emeritus.

Michael and his wife retired to Kennesaw Georgia in 1999. Together for 50 years, he suffered the devastating loss of Nina in 2007.

Michael leaves behind his friend and younger sister, Joan DeMartino of Brandford CT and his grieving children and grandchildren. He also leaves behind a significant musical contribution that lives on through his countless students and colleagues."

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 4, 2012, 4pm from the Chapel of Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw. In lieu of flowers donations have been requested to the Michael Mennone Music Scholarship fund. For donation information contact [email protected] or [email protected].