Michael F. Marchionna

Michael Marchionna, 66, beloved husband and father, was called home to Heaven on September 4, 2021 surrounded by his family, following a valiant battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He entered this world on August 23, 1955, born to the late Frederick and Beverley (Wheeler) Marchionna. He is survived by his wife, Laura (McDonald) Marchionna and daughter, Melissa Marchionna.

Mike and Laura were married for 41 years. They met while Mike was a lifeguard at Brookfield Town Park and Laura was spending her last summer at the beach before heading off to college. Laura was attracted to his huge smile, his corny jokes, and his infectious laugh. They married a few years later, and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Kristin and Melissa.

Mike worked as an aerospace-software engineer at 100 Wooster Heights for over 40 years, starting his career at Perkin Elmer Corp and most recently for Danbury Mission Technologies. He always felt so fortunate to work on such interesting projects, among them building the Hubble Space Telescope and also the Documents of Freedom Project, where he worked to preserve our National treasures, namely the Bill of Rights and other historical documents. Mike spent several years installing a telescope on top of Haleakalā in Hawaii, where he developed his love of Aloha wear (except, of course, when actually in the Aloha state).

Mike was active in the community, most recently serving as secretary of the Southbury Community Lions Club. He was a parishioner at Sacred Heart Church, where he served as a Eucharistic minister and as a member of the Knights of Columbus. Mike shared his love of music as a tenor in the church choir. He was an EMT and the vice president of the Southbury Volunteer Ambulance Association for many years. Mike coached and supported his daughters through soccer, softball, and figure skating. He never missed a skating competition-even when it meant flying in from Maui. His support was so blindly unwavering that he frequently urged his daughter to "just put in an application to be general manager of the Red Sox."

Disney World was Mike's happy place and he'd visit often as an annual passholder. He had a special affinity for Epcot, especially loving Figment and the Food & Wine Festival (where he'd want to try the hottest peppers possible at the Flavors of Fire booth). He spent close to two years proudly training for his first half-marathon (a Star Wars-themed race at Disney), which he hoped to complete when the world was safer.

He loved his dogs, Heidi and Charlie and always ensured they had a fresh rotisserie chicken from Costco (the second happiest place for him) for their meals. He spoiled his grand dog, Theodore, with the best behind-the-ears-scratchies.

Mike's family and friends knew and loved his quirks, like the Hawaiian shirts and sandals that were a constant (and occasionally inappropriate) presence and his enthusiasm for T-Mobile Tuesdays. Mike spent much of his leisure time in his "man cave" surrounded by his computers, his guitars and banjos, and his fish tanks. He had a passion for the sport of curling-which he prominently displayed driving around town with a curling Olympic Spirit vanity plate on his bright yellow convertible. At a party, he could often be found mixing a strong margarita (inspired by the mango variety he enjoyed at Señor Panchos) and he had perfected Saturday morning home fries (Sundays were reserved for post-church breakfast at Leo's).

Besides his wife and daughter, Mike is survived by his sister Lynn Ecsedy and her husband, Mike; his sister, Susan Lamarre; his brother, Jim Marchionna; many nieces and nephews; his former foster daughter, Emily, and many other loved ones. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kristin Lynn Marchionna.

A Mass will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church. The family will receive visitors on Friday, 10th of September, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 910 Main St South. The Carpino Funeral Home of Southbury has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.CarpinoCares.com.

To celebrate his life Mike-style, join his family in wearing Hawaiian prints, bright colors, or whatever makes you most comfortable. Testing pre-service and/or masks are requested for those who are unvaccinated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Southbury Community Lions Club or to Sacred Heart Church Music Ministry.

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