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BORN
1950
DIED
2019
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Michael BonTempo Obituary
Michael BonTempo, Jr., age 68, of Meriden, Connecticut, passed away on February 2, 2019. He was born in New Haven on November 13, 1950, to Michael and Marie (Pacelli) BonTempo of East Haven, brother to Marshall and Patricia. Michael graduated from Notre Dame High School and received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Southern Connecticut State College. He lived most of his life in Connecticut, but also lived in Southern California for six years. Michael was the proud father of three sons, Michael III (Danielle), James, and Jonathon, and grandfather of two grandsons, Nicholas and Christopher. Michael was the Health Educator at Jared Eliot Middle School in Clinton for 32 years and president of the Clinton Education Association for six years. He was the originator of several innovative programs during his tenure, including the Peer Puppeteers, featured in the Disney documentary, "Friends for Life: Living with AIDS," through which middle school students taught elementary students about HIV/AIDS and other health issues. In October of 2017, he received the All-Star Award in Prevention from the Connecticut Association of Prevention Professionals, of which he was a lifetime and founding member. He also coached several sports, including basketball, football, and baseball. Michael lived for learning. At the dinner table he would often ask his children, "What did you learn today that you didn't know yesterday?" To colleagues he would remark that all of his efforts were "for the students." And in a Favorite Teacher Letter, one student wrote that Mr. BonTempo was his favorite teacher because he "understands us." Michael will always be remembered for his smile and sense of humor. Through his life and work, he had a positive impact on many people and multiple generations of families. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at MARESCA & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Chapel St., New Haven. Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 11 a.m. in St. Michael's Church, 29 Wooster Pl. (Meet directly at church). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ASPCA (aspca.org) or Regional Hospice and Palliative Care (regionalhospicect.org). Offer condolences at marescafuneralhome.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael BonTempo
Sponsored by Maresca & Sons Funeral Home Neil R. Rapuano.
Jordyn Prevost
February 26, 2019
I had the privilege of having Mr.Bontempo as a health educator for three years. There are way too many great memories to share with/about him. He was an amazing person and educator and I am so sorry for your loss.Rip Mr.Bontempo you will be greatly missed
-Jordyn Prevost
Freshman at Morgan High School
Michael Bon Tempo III
February 10, 2019
Michael Bon Tempo III
February 10, 2019
Michael Bon Tempo III
February 10, 2019
Michael Bon Tempo III
February 10, 2019
Michael Bon Tempo III
February 10, 2019
Michael Bon Tempo III
February 10, 2019
Kaitlin Chin
February 9, 2019
I'm sorry for your loss. As a former teacher at Eliot, I had the pleasure of working with Mike for a year and a half. He was especially helpful to me as a new teacher. I remember him stopping by my room a few months into my first year just to ask how things were going. I never heard a student say a bad thing about Mike. He is missed.
Mary Jane Engle
February 8, 2019
What a great guy! Mike really has made Clinton a better town because of his sincere love and devotion for all things involving kids. And that infectious smile! I will never forget that.
Mary Nisi
February 8, 2019
I am so sorry for all of our losses here. Mr B was like a dad to me...He was an amazing man. I will never forget the time we were at the beach and we found a jelly fish. He picked it up with a stick and started telling us about it. He handed me the stick and I was startled by it and I accidentally flung the stick into the air and it landed on his chest! I could tell he was in so much pain but he took it like a champ! I don't know if we have ever laughed so hard...
Lena and Geoff Green
February 7, 2019
So sorry for your loss, Mike. Losing a parent is very difficult. Sounds like your father was a great person.
Paul Karbowski
February 7, 2019
We were best friends in Grammar School at Deer Run School and reunited on facebook a few years ago. I am saddened at his passing and wish to express my deepest condolences to all his friends and family. RIP and we will have lunch again at Deer Run School lunchroom just like we did in 1960
February 7, 2019
We may have lost a great man but the memories of him will last forever.
Alyssa Smith
February 7, 2019
Mr. Bontempo was a great man and one of the most genuine teachers I had, he really cared for his students, thankful I had him, he will be missed by many.
August Pulaski
February 7, 2019
Although I only had the pleasure of being one of Mr. BonTempo's students for a brief period of time, that was not a problem for him to make a good impression on me. His teaching techniques combined both genuine care and insightful knowledge. He has truly made his mark in the Clinton education system and the lives of those around him.
Thomas Baker
February 7, 2019
I will never forget how great Mr. Bontempo's class was. He was a great person, and I am thankful for how he made school and his class enjoyable.
Misha Rai
February 7, 2019
Mr. Bontempo was one of the best teachers many of us had. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome in his class which was amazing. He was one of the funniest and kindest people I've met. It's safe to see that he was one of my role models throughout middle school. He will truly be missed by many of us.
Tim Green
February 7, 2019
Mr. Bontempo was a great teacher and always had something fun planned for us in class. There was never a day he wasn't smiling or making someone else smile.
Isabella Recine
February 7, 2019
Mr.BonTempo was one of the best teachers. He always asked us how we were doing and if we were having a rough day and didn't want to talk about it, he respected that and left us alone. Instead of yelling at us or punishing us for getting too loud or not staying on track, he calmly would talk to us or let us practice social health and let us talk for a few minutes. His class was always enjoyable and I never didn't want to go to heath. He was an amazing person and will be missed greatly.
February 7, 2019
It has been a while since I have had his class but the only times I do remember was having his class 6th grade, the second period with J.T Diloro a while ago. I just remembered that it wasn't a class I got sad going to. Thank you,
James Siciliano
Mason Carey
February 7, 2019
Mr. Bontempo was a great man, and he taught a great class. He was always very happy and cared about everyone. He was my favorite health teacher ever and I will remember him.
Emma Lehn
February 7, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was always compassionate and empathetic. He was understanding if I was having a bad day, he had us race toy cars with "drunk goggles", and he would let students present from their seat to calm nerves. Little things like these are what made him a great teacher and man. It's not easy to get edgy middle school kids to like you, but he did it. Thoughts and prayers to his family, rest in peace.
Andrew Passante
February 7, 2019
Mr. Bontempo was close to all of his students. He was always finding ways to break our social awkwardness as middle schoolers through different activities, always encouraging social health. My friends and I always looked forward to health class with Mr. Bontempo simply because of how nice of a guy he was. You could talk about anything with him because of his kindness which is what I wanted to leave here today
Sandra Sirisoukh
February 7, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was an amazing teacher and he will be missed.
Kyle Neumann
February 7, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was always finding new ways to make his class interesting and exciting to keep his students engaged and eager to learn.
Melanie Coretti
February 7, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was always very enthusiastic with his teaching and really cared about every student who walked into his class.
Noah Scarpace
February 7, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was one of the most memorable teachers in the school district. He was kind, caring, and extremely insightful. It was obvious that he cared for each and every student as he would his own children, and he will be missed.
AJ Fritz
February 7, 2019
Bontempo was the man, taught us all how to be respectful humans
hunter Kyhn
February 7, 2019
Great teacher to have in eliot. My favorite health teacher and a great personality.
Amber Corrigan
February 7, 2019
I remember the only days I genuinely looked forward to going to school were the days I had health class. It was the only class where I could sit and actually have a teacher listen to us, but also teach while making it fun for us. I can't say his job was easy dealing with us middle schoolers, and at the time we might not have shown him our appreciation as much, but I can honestly say, if I didn't have him as a teacher, I don't know how I could have made it through those three years. I truly can't explain how great of a teacher he was and who he was as a person, I could only imagine how he was as a father/grandfather. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, stay strong.
Cassidy Shepard
February 7, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was a man with passion and integrity. He loved to help students and even teachers. He made sure that anyone that came through his path was able to leave and go home and be like Mom, Dad, I learned something today. He loved to learn no matter what. I learned a lot about many different things when I went to class. He was able to deal with the toughest of kids in order to get the best out of them. He was an amazing person and from losing a really close person in my life in the recent years, all of my condolences go out to his family who is mourning over the loss of this amazing, intelligent human being. Rest in peace Mr. BomTempo.
Samantha Clapper
February 7, 2019
Mr.BonTempo was one of the kindest and genuine teachers I have had. Every day I would walk into his classroom he would smile and say hi. He was talented and anyone could tell that he cared for his students.
Michael Zingarella
February 7, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was one of my favorite teachers in Eliot. His class was always a pleasure to be in
Elmir Gutic
February 7, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was as good man, I didn't know him as well as some other people knew him but there was not a day I didn't see him smile and not a day he didn't make someone else smile which made some of the most grey days somewhat colorful again.
Max Petrelis
February 7, 2019
Mr. Bontempo was both a great man and a great teacher. He always had a great smile on his face the purely enjoyed teaching! I among many others will truly miss him.
Ella Driscoll
February 7, 2019
Mr. Bontempo was the best and most genuinely kind teacher I've ever had. He truly cared about his students and always made sure to give us encouragement in class.
Alex Amendola
February 7, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was a great teacher I always enjoyed going into his class. He always had a smile on his face and he was always ready to teach.
Liam Trahant
February 7, 2019
He never yelled at our classes and he was always very calm and happy to be teaching, rip Mr. Bontempo
February 7, 2019
Mr.Bontempo was a great man always smiling and making others smile. May he rest in peace.
Anthony Staffa
February 7, 2019
I only had Mr. BonTempo for 1 year, but during this time he was one of the nicest teachers and most genuine people I have ever met.
Aidan Solivan
February 7, 2019
Back in the day when I had him as a teacher he always made me feel comfortable in class. He was just so nice it was a good time every time I walked in. Any Day could be a good day if I had his class
Alyssa Hackley
February 7, 2019
Mr. Bontempo was my favorite teacher at Eliot. His class was always one to look forward to. He was so welcoming and understanding. There was never a day that he was unhappy, he always had a smile on his face and a cheery demeanor. My favorite memories are all of his stories about the yellow motorcycle that he drove to school just about everyday.
Nathaniel Rice
February 7, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was not only a great teacher who made every class fun because of his great personality but above all, he was a great man that cared so much about all of his students and about his community offering up so many hours to help his community.
Rip Mr. BonTempo
Antonia Pizimenti
February 7, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was a great, wonderful, genuine teacher, I always enjoyed going to his class and I found it to be such a happy and positive environment. My dearest condolences go to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Tatiana Serrano
February 7, 2019
The first time I walked into Eliot, it was his smile that I saw. He was always happy and cheerful and he taught me so many things not only health related but how to treat one another with kindness. Mr. BonTempo was one of the only teachers my brothers and I would feel comfortable approaching at school. With that said, The Serrano family send their thoughts and prayers to yours.
Justin Castro
February 7, 2019
Mr.Bontempo was one of the funniest and most intelligent teachers I've ever had. He always had a smile around his face and being in his class was a pleasure. He had a great personality, Rip Mr. Bontempo.
Claire Pease
February 7, 2019
I had Mr. Bontempo as my health teacher when I was a student in Eliot and I can 100 percent say that he was my absolute favorite teacher for the 3 years I was at that school.
I will never forget the time when I walked into his classroom and when he asked us all on a scale of 1-10 how we were feeling, I said a 2 because I was having a bad day. After everyone had said their numbers, Mr. Bontempo came over to me and talked with me for about 10 minutes about what was wrong, in the middle of his class time. He made me feel so much better and when I left his class, I was at least an 8.
Thank you for making health class so entertaining, always keeping us in check with the world, and making sure everyone knew that you were there for them whenever. You will be missed
Arianna Riera
February 7, 2019
I had Mr. BonTempo at Eliot and he was one of the best. He will be greatly missed by many of us. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
Taylor Wyatt
February 7, 2019
On behalf of the Wyatt Family, our prayers are sent out to the BonTempo Family. Mr. BonTempo was a great teacher inside and out of his classroom and was always so cheerful and happy.
kylie Isleib
February 7, 2019
I had Mr. BonTempo during my three years at eliot and he was such a great man, he always made sure to put the students before himself and I can safely say some of my best memories in eliot was in his class.
Liam Whelan
February 7, 2019
Great teacher, always looked forward to his class every week. My condolences go out to his family.
Lauren Jasinski
February 7, 2019
I had Mr.BonTempo during my years at Eliot and he was probably the best teacher I've ever had. He always made health class fun and entertaining. You will be missed.
Mirta Travali
February 6, 2019
Beautiful pictures, beautiful life, beautiful man! It's sad to see you go so early and leave us all missing you so dearly! Your smile, humor, friendliness, genuineness, caring, loving, jolly, good nature, just to mention a few of your many qualities will always be remembered when thinking of you! Heaven rejoices in your coming as our heavenly Father welcomes you with his outstretched arms saying "well done my good & faithful servant"! I can only imagine you dancing "El Merengue" to perfection as you celebrate eternal life! It's not goodbye, save a dance, see you soon my friend. So very glad you came into our lives! <3
Tina Siglinger formerly Parks
February 6, 2019
I was a student of his 20 something yrs ago. He was a great teacher and he had a sense of humor. My condolences go out to his family
Kendra Diacri-Douglas
February 6, 2019
My condolences to the family and friends remember him like it was yesterday at school in Clinton RIP
February 6, 2019
Mr. Bontempo was a great man, a great health teacher and was always there for his students. I smiled and laughed as soon as I went into his class because of how happy and bubbly he was. If I was having a bad day he knew right away, and he was always there to remind his students that everything was going to be okay. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten. He was the best teacher I have ever had.
- Alyssa Guthrie
Christian Sacco
February 6, 2019
A very welcoming person upon me first moving here about 3 years ago. I wish his family the best. May he rest in peace.
Nico Farace
February 6, 2019
He was one of the best teachers I ever had. I know I learned a lot from him, and I'm glad I had to opportunity to learn from him.
Maria Phillips
February 5, 2019
From those days long ago in Wooster Square to reconnecting with you in Clinton you will always be remembered. Michael your amazing spirit is shining on us all for eternity, your memory is eternal.
February 5, 2019
"BonTemps,"
RIP.
Ceras
Steve Archibald
February 5, 2019
I am a local union president as was Michael. He was a champion educator and a champion advocate for public education, both teachers and students. He will be missed by everyone in Middlesex County CEA.
Dylan George
February 5, 2019
I had a fairly rough time in middle school, so i usually just didn't go or would act sick. I had health on mondays every year in eliot and i always looked forward to it. Mr. Bontempo had a smile on his face and made me happier. My condolences to his family.
Kiara Suarez
February 5, 2019
Mr. Bontempo was the best health teacher you could have. He always knew how to light up a room, either with his words or his smile. He taught me how to love who I am. May his soul rest in peace. We love you, Mr. Bontempo.
Aedan Oboyski
February 5, 2019
He always wanted students to do their best and there was always a good vibe in his class
Marc Catalano
February 5, 2019
Mr. Bontempo was one of the greatest teachers I ever had. He poured his heart and soul into everything he did and it really showed. I always looked forward to his classes and saw him more as a friend than a teacher. May he Rest in Peace.
Logan Smith
February 5, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was a GREAT teacher at Eliot. He was intelligent, funny, and always made class fun. He was also one of the nicest people I have ever met. Everyone can agree with me that Mr. BonTempo was a great teacher.
Xavier Hasting
February 5, 2019
Great teacher, and a guy we can all appreciate. Always enjoyed the ice breaker games we'd play at the start of every week, and he always seemed to appreciate having us around. Rest in Peace.
Marc Catalano
February 5, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was one of the only teachers in Eliot that I actually looked forward to seeing on a daily basis. He always made my day better no matter what. He loved his job and that was obvious to everyone. I would never have wanted anyone else as a Health teacher.
Jen Accetta
February 5, 2019
Middle school was kind of rough for me, as I'm sure it was for everyone else as well. However when I walked into Mr. BonTempo's class and he would ask how we were doing. If we said we were tired and "not feeling it" he would say "alright, let's practice some social health" those moments really helped me get through the day and my three years at Eliot.
Marie Kane
February 5, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was one of my favorite teachers down at Eliot. He made my middle school experience more enjoyable and always had a smile on his face and never failed to make me laugh. It's sad to hear that he passed away as I was recently thinking of him and didn't know he had brain cancer; I was going to stop by Eliot to visit him and a few others but at least he is in a better place now with no more suffering. Mr. BonTempo was an unforgettable member of the Clinton community that will be strongly missed.
Abby Jasinski
February 5, 2019
I'm so so sorry for your loss. Mr. BonTempo was a really good man and he was one of the first teachers I ever really liked. He made Health class really fun for me, but I also learned so much from him. Thank you Mr. BonTempo for making my middle school experience amazing, your spirit will always be in my heart. -Abby Jasinski
Phoebe Sullivan
February 5, 2019
His classroom always felt very warm and welcoming. As a former student of his, I feel so grateful because he never failed to greet the class with a smile and
always exhibited a positive attitude toward life.
Matthew Pendleton
February 5, 2019
Mr. BonTempo was easily one of the most memorable teachers I have ever had the pleasure of learning under. His idea to always put the student first and to mold us into successful young people of society was unmatched. His charisma, tenacity, and enthusiasm molded into a wonderful teacher who I believe was a role model to his fellow coworkers and students. As he moves on into the heavens, I leave my thanks to follow him, as he was not just a wonderful teacher, but an admirable human being.
Mike Savage
February 5, 2019
Great man, I really respected him. He would always ask how I was doing in school and sports because he cared about my future. I really appreciated him and his care for his students.
February 5, 2019
I didn't have him as a teacher, but from all the stories I've heard about him, he sounded like a very good man and a well-respected man. My condolences go out to his friends and family.
Marie Lane
February 5, 2019
My deepest sympathies to Mike's family - I was very sad to hear of his passing. I first met Mike when he was hired by Clinton Public Schools. In my role as a secretary in Clinton's central office, I had frequent contact with Mike over more than 30 years. I knew him as a dedicated teacher and a loyal defender of his colleagues and his profession. He always had a kind word and a smile. I know he will be missed by his family and by his many friends.
February 5, 2019
James was in my science class when they moved to Clinton. Mike and I would collaborate to link his health class to my life science class. Mike and I would talk about how we went to different high schools together. We would talk at length before school about how we could solve the world's problems! I do miss him. He was a fabulous person and a great educator.
Please accept my condolences,
Tom Galuardi
Eric Bergman
February 5, 2019
A great man. A man who gave so much of himself to the world. A life well lived.
Dom Franco
February 5, 2019
Both of my girls, Ariana and Gabriella always talked about how much Mr. Bon Tempo was missed while he was out and how much all the kids really liked him. This is very sad news and he will be missed.
Heaven just welcomed a new angel
Dom Franco
Dom Franco
February 5, 2019
Both of my girls, Ariana and Gabriella always talked about how much Mr. Bon Tempo was missed while he was out and how much all the kids really liked him. This is very sad news and he will be missed.
Heaven just welcomed a new angel
Dom Franco
Colleen Stickney-Bloom
February 5, 2019
I had the privilege to not only have Mike as my health teacher at Eliot, but also as a colleague years later when I started teaching here. He was always welcoming to new staff and had a wonderful personality. It's hard walking by his classroom and not having him there. He always did right by his students and they loved going to his class. My thoughts to his family during this difficult time.
Michael Bon Tempo III
February 5, 2019
Michael Bon Tempo III
February 5, 2019
Jennifer DeMaio
February 5, 2019
To the BonTempo Family:
Our children spoke about Michael more than any other teacher they ever had. He was fun and truly related to them on their own level. The many important things he taught them will be a part of them for the rest of their lives. May you find comfort in knowing how much he was loved and appreciated and may Michael rest in peace.
Sincerely, The DeMaio Family
Kelley Edwards
February 5, 2019
My heart is so sad - God takes the best ones first. Mike should be on his motorcycle traveling and laughing and being his amazing caring self! He was integral to all of the prevention work in Clinton and was the true father of our coalition. Mike was our historian, our visionary, one of our most reliable members. I so value the time I had working with him, and for our friendship. I have some pictures of him that I will post on his Facebook page for you. We already missed him as he got sick, and now we will eternally miss him. I send prayers of love to you all. The world is a lesser place without Mike. He was truly one of the best.
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Mindy Pacileo
February 4, 2019
To all of Michaels family - we are so very sorry for your loss. Both of our daughters had the privilege of having him as a teacher. He was a wonderful educator that truly cared about the children he guided and taught everyday. He was a huge part of JEMS and has been and will continue to be missed. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. - The Pacileo Family
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