Michael Dennis Jr.

1927 - 2025

Michael Dennis Jr.
Michael Dennis Jr., age 97, passed away peacefully in his Stratford home on January 17, 2025.
Michael, or Mike, was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on April 16, 1927 to Anna (Charak) and Michael Dennis Sr.
Mike graduated from Stratford High School in 1945. Upon graduation he served in the US Army after which he met his wife, Patricia and they married on September 1, 1956. The couple settled into their Stratford house in 1962, where Mike did many renovations himself, turning their house into a home to raise their four children, whom he loved, supporting them in whatever endeavors they took on throughout their lives.
As someone who liked to stay active, Mike began a career with Trumbull Post Office as a letter carrier, where he enjoyed driving his mail truck along his route meeting all the families, fondly becoming known as "Mike the Mailman". He officially retired in 1985, but continued to stay busy by working at the local YMCA, doing screen repairs at Clough's Hardware store, helping at Dillon's Florist, and many other odd jobs around town. If you were lucky enough to walk by Clough's Hardware during the holidays, you may have seen his display of Department 56 Villages in the storefront window that he created with much enthusiasm and pride. He loved the villages so much, he even designed elaborate scenes in his own home, complete with snow machines, a pond with goldfish, and more, taking over the dining room and leaving Pat with little room for her famous Christmas cookies. He also liked to go all out at Halloween, decorating his home for the neighborhood to enjoy!
Mike was an avid NY Giant and Brooklyn/LA Dodger fan, but he was especially a fan of the UConn women's basketball team, and even attended some of the games in person. He also loved tending to his garden and growing dahlias, which he would gladly share with his friends. In the summer months, he would buy bags of fresh corn from the farm and leave it on the doorsteps of his friend's and family's homes, becoming known as the "Corn Fairy." If you didn't know him as the mailman or corn fairy, you likely recognized him around town from his measuring tape suspenders that became his signature look.
Mike also enjoyed a good meal, and you could often find him having lunch at the Baldwin Center, at the diner for their home fries, in the Popeye's or Burger King drive-thru, the Icing on the Cake Bakery for a loaf of rye bread, or pouring a bowl of Lucky Charms as he settled in for an afternoon watching The Waltons.
Mike loved nothing more than being with his family and friends. It brought him so much joy to be together and share stories, memories, and laughs. He was the best grandpa to his five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was hands-on with them, playing outside, teaching them silly tricks and always wanting to learn about what they were interested in. If there was an event or sports game nearby that he could attend, there was no doubt he would be in the stands cheering them on.
Mike truly was a friend to all and had a smile and a lending hand for everyone he met. He simply loved people and having conversations with them. He was one of those rare people that everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him would agree - his smile, laugh, and thoughtfulness left a lasting impression that will continue on forever. He will be missed by so many, but the stories and memories will be cherished forever. In his true unselfishness and willingness to help others, he donated his body to the Yale School of Medicine upon his death.
Mike's loving wife, Patricia, passed away in 2012. He is survived by his four children - Lisa Dennis, Cheri Mayeda (Duane), Michael Dennis III, and Holly Shea (Tim), along with his five grandchildren - Ryan Mayeda (Megan), Taylor Mayeda, Brady Shea, Cooper Shea, and Tanner Shea, and two great- granddaughters--Briella and Rylee Mayeda. He is also survived by his sister, Geraldine Scanzillo (the late Thomas), his brother, Tom Gill (Carolyn), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the care received from Emerest Home Care, especially our angels Adora and Tia, along with the nurses at Constellation Hospice.
For those who would like to celebrate Mike's life and share stories, the family will host an open house in the spring on May 17, 2025 from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. at his home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Audubon Society www.ctaudubon.org on behalf of Mike.