Michael J. Lemieux, 55, of Ellington, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2014, comfortably in his home with his angels by his side from complications with a liver transplant he had in 2009.
He was born on March 4, 1959, in Hartford. Michael was the son of the late Joseph R. and Lorraine D. Lemieux. He was a longtime resident of Ellington before he and Brenda, his wife of 30 years, built their dream home in Stafford Springs and lived there for 13 years.
Prior to his retirement in 2012, Michael had been employed most of his life, right after high school for JMJ Construction in South Windsor. His trade was as a heavy equipment operator and he learned and became experienced in this trade through his employment at JMJ Construction. During his 15 years there, JMJ was not only his employer, but also became just like family to him.
From there he joined the Union and became a member of the International Union of Operator Engineers Local 98. He was employed by Gagliarducci Construction until his early retirement. During Michael's employment at Gagliarducci Construction, he had a reputation as being one of the best operators there was. He was a hard worker and was very devoted to his job.
Mike enjoyed almost anything that life had to offer him. He loved anything about the outdoors. One of his passions in life was fishing. The third week in April couldn't come fast enough. It was better than any holiday for him. His fishing buddy was mostly his wife, Brenda. Wherever one was, the other was sure to follow. He enjoyed staying home with his wife and working around the house, doing chores like gardening, planting, and just being outside. Michael's other priority and enjoyment in life was spending time with his family and friends.
He was a man of uncommon character and he was always someone who you could count on. No matter what, he was always devoted to and was always willing to help anyone who needed him. He didn't believe in the words, "I have no time." He just made the time, especially for his family and friends.
Mike will always be known and remembered by his infectious smile. It was contagious. Whenever he walked into the room, he had the ability to light it up. Because of his "smile," he always made you feel good inside and out.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 30 years, Brenda L. Lemieux (Kurtz); his daughter, Jennifer L. Kent, and her husband, James R., of Suffield; his mother, Lorraine Lemieux of Enfield; his sister, Rejeanne M. Lukach, and her husband, George, of Broad Brook; three brothers, Marcel T. Lemieux, and his wife, Kathy, of South Windsor, John P. Lemieux, and his wife, Alyson, of Stafford, Richard J. Lemieux, and his wife, Lynn, of Enfield. His sister-in-law, Sandra Lemieux of Ellington; his wife's father, Richard W. Kurtz of Suffield; a brother-in-law, Steven Kurtz of Suffield; two sisters-in-law, Cher Spurr, and her husband, Richard, of Virginia, Donna Turnbull, and her husband, Gary, of Massachusetts; and two loving granddaughters, Savannah L. Kent and Sydney J. Kent, and many loving and caring nieces, nephew, and cousins, aunts and uncles. Michael was predeceased in death by his father, Joseph Lemieux; his sister, Elaine Lemieux; his brother, Roger Lemieux; and his mother-in-law, Joan Kurtz who was like a mother to him.
Mike's family would like to extend their gratitude and thank the staff of the Hartford transplant team of doctors and nurses who made it possible for him to live five more years with us. Many of whom had become like family to both him and his wife. A special thank you goes out to Dr. John Polio who was more than a doctor for Mike. He was a caring, compassionate, and loving man who watched over and took care of Mike for over 12 years. He became part of our family, a close friend, and an angel. Most of all, we would like to thank and owe our deepest gratitude to "Joel" and the donor family for giving us five more years of beautiful and wonderful memories that we will always cherish deep in our hearts. If it wasn't for the gift of life that Michael received on Feb. 2, 2009, and the unselfish decision from Joel and his family of becoming a donor, it wouldn't have been possible.
Michael's wife would like to thank all of you for all of the love, support, and prayers they had been given throughout the years. And a special thank you "within the circle."
A celebration of Michael's life will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Lemieux Memorial Fund, c/o Rockville Bank, 12 Main St., Ellington, CT 06029.
For directions or to leave an online condolence please visit
www.leetestevens.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
April 11, 2014
Mike, I just want to thank you for being a friend to me. Every time I saw you, you always had a big smile and kind words. To Brenda... I will always be here if you need anything.. To the Lemiuex family.. my deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. You have sent another great man named Lemieux to his resting place. GOD bless all of you.
Bob Browning
April 9, 2014
To All Of the Lemieux Family, So very sorry to hear of your loss.
Jane
April 9, 2014
Our thought and prayers are with the Lemieux family
Sincerely Sandra Hany
April 8, 2014
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