Dr. Michael T. SPONZO

SPONZO, Dr. Michael T.

Dr. Michael T. Sponzo, 91, of Avon, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, October 16th. Born in Hartford in 1922, son of Vincenza (Calendrillo) Sponzo and Thomas R. Sponzo, he leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Marion (Dalton) Sponzo. Dr. Sponzo, a graduate of St. Thomas Seminary, the College of the Holy Cross and the University of Pennsylvania Dental School, began his career in Dentistry as a 24 year old Captain in the United States Army Dental Corps. He returned to Hartford with his wife and practiced Dentistry until 1977, serving as President of the Hartford Dental Society in 1960. He retired from private practice and was invited to join the faculty of Dentistry at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. There, he won the respect of his peers and was twice awarded teacher of the year by the student body. Working with the Department of Oral Surgery, he demonstrated the utility of free standing dental implants for denture patients. Upon retiring from teaching Dentistry in 1986, Dr. Sponzo continued his passion for Philosophy and Theology and graduated from Holy Apostles Seminary becoming a permanent Deacon with the Archdiocese of Hartford; a position he held for over 25 years. Through the deaconate, he found his fulfillment in the service of his Lord, always concerned for the welfare of his fellow man. A consummate teacher, he lived his faith each day. He is survived by his four children, Dr. Thomas S. Sponzo and his wife Colly of Simsbury, Anne Marie Sponzo of Canton, Suzanne S. Bertrand of New Hartford and Michael T. Sponzo Jr., and his wife Mary of West Hartford; his sister Rose Sponzo of Farmington; his six grandchildren, Jem C. Sponzo, Esq. and her husband Bradford Stewart of Washington, D.C, Britt K. Sponzo of Manhattan, T.J. Sponzo of Manhattan, Erin M. Bertrand, PhD of San Diego, Michael D. Wolftrand and his wife Eve of Torrington, and Daniel J. Bertrand of San Diego. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Farmington Valley Hospice and Visiting Nurse Association.
Friends may call at The Church of St. Ann, 289 Arch Road, Avon on Saturday (Oct. 19) from 9-10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the church at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc., www.ahernfuneralhome.com.