NAUGATUCK — Michael J. Pesanelli, 103, of Naugatuck, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2019 in the VITAS Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was the husband of the late Kay (Dunn) Pesanelli.
Michael was born in Naugatuck to Anthony and Catherine (Nardello) Pesanelli on March 14, 1916. He graduated from Somerville High School in Massachusetts. He worked for Timex for many years and while there went on to earn a degree from the University of New Haven. After retiring from Timex, he worked as a consultant and most recently as a motivational speaker. He enjoyed dinners at his favorite restaurant, Junipers, and holidays spent with family. He was an usher at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Naugatuck for many years and established a scholarship there in honor of his wife and son.
Michael is survived by his brother, Felix and his wife, Tina, of Brewster, Mass.; his granddaughters, Leigh Ann Hodorski and her husband, Ray, of Tampa, Fla., and Tracy Theroux and her husband, Joe, of Prospect; his great grandchildren, Josh, Allie, Drew, Jordan, Jacob and Kayleigh. He also leaves his nieces, nephews and many extended family members and friends to cherish his memory. In addition to his wife, Kay, Mr. Pesanelli is predeceased by his son, Anthony; his great-grandson, Kyle; and his sisters, Louise and Marie.
Michael’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to Toni Ann, his longtime caregiver and the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital VITAS Unit.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Naugatuck on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 11 a.m. Family and friends are asked to please meet directly at the church. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery in Naugatuck. There are no calling hours. The Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White St., Danbury is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Naugatuck Ecumenical Food Bank, 75 Spring St., Naugatuck, CT 06770.
