Michael J. Kogut

East Lyme - Michael J. Kogut, 47, of 91 Riverview Road, Niantic, passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2010, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London.

He was born in New London on June 14, 1963, the son of Fred J. Kogut of Niantic and the late Nancy (Bancroft) Kogut Allen.

Michael graduated in 1981 from Robert E. Fitch Senior High School. While at Fitch he was a proud member of the band. He was a musician serving in the U.S. Army from 1981 until 1987, playing taps for many military funerals.

He had worked as a supervisor in the maintenance department at Foxwood's Resort. Mike also enjoyed playing his trumpet for the crowds on Thames Street during Sailfest.

Besides his father, he is survived by a sister, Laurie Gibbons of Groton; three half brothers, Richard and Jeffrey Allen, both of Groton, and Gregory Allen of Florida; and his companion, Barbara Mahoney of Mystic; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends, especially Shelley Laurendeau.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. today Saturday at Sully's Café, 112 Fort Hill Road, Groton. Visiting hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday at Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St.

Donations in his memory may be directed to the Band Booster Club, R.E. Fitch Sr. High School, 101 Groton Long Point Road, Groton CT 06340.