Sebastian "Mike" Salafia

Sebastian Joseph "Mike" Salafia, age 91, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.Nutzy, as he was called by his family, was born to the late Salvatore and Anna (Carta) Salafia on June 13, 1935. He was the first of their five children. He grew up in Middletown and moved to Middlefield into a home he helped build at age 17.Mike graduated from Vinal Regional Technical School after completing their program to become a trade carpenter. He had a long career as a skilled carpenter, building and remodeling homes and other residences with his business, Mike Salafia Builders. He took immense pride in his craft: fixing, building, and restoring the structures around him.In June 1959, Mike married the love of his life, Carmelina "Lea" Gessaro. They settled in Middletown and went on to have four children. Mike particularly enjoyed Lea's cooking and would tell you "she could make a meal out of nothing".In the later years of Mike's career, he served as the President of the Connecticut Building Officials Association from 1989-1990. He ended his career as a building inspector for the towns of Watertown and Naugatuck, CT.Following his retirement, Mike and Lea enjoyed the Florida sun for many years as snowbirds before officially making North Fort Myers their permanent home. They spent many happy years as residents of Six Lakes, where Mike was frequently found enjoying the golf course. Off the course, he grew the most beautiful gardenias that he would pick for Lea every morning.Mike will be remembered as an avid golfer with 9 hole-in-ones. His other hobbies included following UConn women's basketball, reading history, and playing pool. He was a diehard Boston Red Sox fan who even made it to a World Series game.Mike's faith in God was an important part of his life. In times of joy and times of trial, he relied on God's strength and grace to get him through. His legacy of hard work, determination, and his unwavering spirit of perseverance will be carried forward by those who loved him.Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Lea; and children: Kathleen (Robert) Briggs of Rocky Hill, CT, Elaine (Vincent) Halsey of West Grove, PA, Christine (Salvan) Ross of South Glastonbury, CT, and Stephen Salafia of Middletown, CT.He was a proud NuNu to his grandchildren: Michael Briggs, Kristen (Daniel) Chelli, Daniel (Emily) Halsey, Joseph (Alexis) Halsey, Joshua (Amanda) Halsey, Thomas Halsey, Amanda Ross, Justine Ross, and Gabriella Salafia; and two great-grandchildren: Mason Chelli-Reigle and Henry Halsey.Additionally, he is survived by his sisters, Joanne Zak and Elizabeth (Jack) Tabak, brother Robert (Julie) Salafia; and brother-in-law, Vito (Jackie) Gessaro; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Lucy Fellin and her husband, William Fellin; father-in-law, Vito Gessaro; his brother, Joseph Salafia and his wife, Ellen Salafia; his brothers-in-law, Bernie Zak and Carl Gessaro; and his sister-in-law, Patricia (Gessaro) Griffin.A special thank you to the staff at Middlesex Health Hospice Homecare and the staff and friends at Heritage Commons for their support and kindness during this difficult time.Funeral Services will be held Thursday, October 22, with a visitation from 9:00 to 10:30 am at D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 S Main Street, Middletown, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am at Saint Sebastian's Roman Catholic Church, 155 Washington Street, Middletown, CT. Burial will follow at Saint Sebastian's Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org , 

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