Michael 'michele' Menta,

Michael ""Michele"" Menta, Sr., 75 of West Hartford, beloved husband of Carmela Lidia Menta, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Thursday, (April 26, 2007). Michael and Lidia just celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on Monday, April 23, 2007. Michael was born on February 2, 1932 in Cassaro Sicily. He was the son of the late Michelangelo and Paola Menta. He came to America in 1958 where he started his life with Lidia. When he first arrived he worked as a barber, then for Connecticut Spring Company for 8 years. He then worked for Gene Michaud Building Contractors for numerous years. In 1985 he started Menta & Son Painting Company with his son Michael. The business thrived for many years. Michael was a wonderful provider for his family. He was a hardworking, patient and loving man who often gave up so much to make others happy. He enjoyed his life to the fullest. He loved to spend time at his winter home in Florida, working in the garden and most of all spending time with his family. He was a devoted grandfather who loved nothing better than making his grandchildren happy ? they in return loved their ""Nonno"" with all their hearts. Besides his loving wife Lidia, Michael is survived by a son Michael Menta Jr. and his wife Kathy and granddaughters Brittany and Sarah all of Newington; and a daughter Marina Salone and her husband Frank and granddaughters Alyssa and Kristina and grandson Michael all of Newington. He also leaves four brothers and their wives and a sister-in-law: Luciano and Maria of Newington, Vincenzo and Maria of Newington, Joseph and Concetta of California, Salvatore and Lucy of West Hartford and Sara of Wethersfield. He was predeceased by his brother Luigi and his only sister Lina. Michael also leaves numerous nieces and nephews who thought the world of him, many cousins, extended family members and friends. Michael's family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the loving staff at Brittany Farms Nursing Home for their kindness and compassion during Michael's illness. Funeral services will be Monday at 9:00 a.m. from D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd, Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine's Church, 10 Campfield Avenue, Hartford. Entombment will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Family and friends may call Sunday, April 29th from 3 to 7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Memorial contributions in Michael's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 279 New Britain Rd, Kensington, CT 06037. For on-line expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.