Michele "Mike" Arcari

In Loving Memory of Michele "Mike" Arcari

Michele "Mike" Arcari, affectionately known to many as "Big Mike," passed away peacefully at the age of 87 at his home on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Born in the small, rural farming village of Sepino, Italy, Mike experienced the hardships of growing up during the German occupation and the post-war depression of WWII alongside his parents, Giovanni and Maria, and his older siblings, Francis, Tommasina, and Peter.

At the age of 18, Mike left home to serve in the Italian Army. Upon his return, he worked as an agricultural farmer before leaving once again in search of better opportunities. He worked as a crane operator in Switzerland before becoming a police officer in Torino, Italy.

In 1971, while vacationing in Sepino, Mike met his future wife, Carolyn. Within five weeks, he found himself at the altar of St. Augustine's Church in Hartford, CT, saying, "I do." Mike and Carolyn were soon blessed with two children, John and Frank. Embracing his new life in America, Mike became a proud U.S. citizen, bought a house, and moved his family to Rocky Hill.

In 1978, Mike obtained his union card with the Laborers International Union of North America and worked for various companies until his retirement in 2001. He took great pride in his work and his membership in the union.

Mike was a longtime member of the Mt. Carmel St. Cristina Society. He enjoyed tending to his garden and fruit trees, going to the Italian Social Club to drink coffee and play cards with friends. He cherished his trips back to Sepino to visit family and celebrate the town's festival for its patron saint, St. Cristina. However, his favorite activity was spending time with the true loves of his life, his grandchildren, Michael, Tommasina, and Christopher.

Mike is predeceased by his father, Giovanni Arcari; his mother, Maria (Vignone) Arcari; his brother Pietro Arcari; his sister Tommasina (Arcari) Pietraroia; his brother-in-law, Antonio Pietraroia and Nephew-in-law Giovanni Pietraroia. Mike's legacy lives on through his wife, Carolyn; his sons, John and Frank Arcari; his daughter-in-law, Amie Arcari; and his grandchildren, Michael, Tommasina, and Christopher. He is also survived by his brother, Francesco Arcari of Milano; sister-in-law, Rosa Arcari; and their daughter, Patricia, his nieces; Carmela Pietraroia, Giovanna Soucy, husband Jeff Soucy, Paola Fonseca, husband Peter Fonseca, as well as many grandnieces, nephews and cousins worldwide.

Mike will be missed and remembered for his strong work ethic, intense passion for life, robust sense of humor, but most of all, for the love he had for his family.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 23rd, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Brooklawn Funeral Home (511 Brook St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, June 24th, at 11:00 a.m. directly in St. Josephine Bakhita Parish - St. James Church (767 Elm St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067) with a reception to follow.