Michael Joseph Brienza

BRIENZA Dr. Michael Joseph Brienza, 72, of Simsbury, beloved husband of Isabelle (Pogue) Brienza, died at home Tuesday, April 17, 2012. He was born August 20, 1939 in Mount Vernon, NY. He had lived in Fairfield for many years prior to moving to Simsbury last year. Michael was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he received his BS and PhD in physics. A lifelong inventor, Dr. Brienza was awarded 29 patents for technological innovations. After a long and distinguished career at United Technologies, Dr. Brienza taught physics at Fairfield University for 13 years, and received the Teacher of the Year award in 2004. He was a member of Notre Dame Church of Easton and recently was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Simsbury. Michael enjoyed tennis, politics, and woodworking and was the proud operator of a ham radio. Dr. Brienza was also proud to serve for two terms on the Board of Education of Region 9 and as a Eucharistic Minister for 35 years. Besides his loving wife of 50 years, he is survived by his three children, Cheryl Brienza Cook and her husband Brad of Simsbury, Dr. David Brienza and his wife Karen of Allison Park, PA, Dr. Kathleen Brienza Daniele and her husband Anthony of Greensburg, PA and twelve grandchildren; Derek, Casey, Bridget, Jeffery, Luke, Julia, Paul, Terence, Alyssa, Rose, Cecilia, and Audrey. He is also survived by is brother Paul Brienza and wife Barbara of Tequesta, FL. and their four children. He was predeceased by his parents Paul and Pasqualina (Manganiello) Brienza. Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Sunday, April 22nd from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, April 23rd, 11:00 AM at Notre Dame Church of Easton, 655 Morehouse Road in Easton. Burial will be private. Please visit Michael's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.