Michael George Paluck

Michael George Paluck, 66, of Enfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, with his wife and daughter by his side.

Born on May 12, 1947, in Springfield, Mike spent his early years in Windsor Locks where he attended Windsor Locks High School. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the Air Force National Guard as an aircraft mechanic. Mike was also employed by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and its UTC Fuel Cell division where he had a 45-year career as a fuel cell mechanic until his retirement in 2011. A loving husband and father, Mike's life was devoted to his family.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his daughter, Courtney; and his loyal little companion, Zorro; his brother, Alan, and his wife, Anne, of Hartford; his brother, David, and his wife, Charlene, of Enfield; his sister, Doreen Weeks, and her husband, Henry Gaffney, of Enfield; his brother, John Blatchford Jr., and his wife, Kristine, of Douglas, Mass.; a sister, Tina Underwood of Ocala, Fla.; nine nephews, one niece, one grand-niece and two grand-nephews. Michael is predeceased by his mother, Doris Blatchford, and his father, Michael Paluck.

Over the last 15 years Mike developed a passion for golf. He even sailed across choppy water near Mexico to play in Tulum and climbed a mountain in St. Thomas to play another. Another favorite place to play was Myrtle Beach where the family took numerous vacations. Mike made many friends over the years and played golf with most of them.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Dailey, his colleagues and assistants at the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center in Hartford for their knowledge and perseverance during a very difficult time, also the entire staff of doctors, nurses, patient care assistants, and all the others who made Mike's time on CB2 peaceful and comfortable, and for their unwavering compassion toward his family during his numerous stays on their floor.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels, 43 Shaker Road, Enfield.

A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine Church, 6 Windsorville Road, Broad Brook. Please meet directly at church. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

Donations in Mike's memory can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Connecticut or the Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

For additional information, directions, or to extend an online message of sympathy please visit

www.brownefuneralhome.com