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Michael DeMAIO Obituary

DEMAIO, Michael Benoit Michael Benoit DeMaio, 36, of New Britain, passed away suddenly on December 15, 2010 at his home. He was the beloved husband of Kristin (Nightingale) DeMaio, and an amazing and devoted father to his son Michael and his daughters Kailee and Taylor. Born in Hartford, he was a longtime Newington resident, graduating from St. Mary's School in 1988 and Newington High School in 1992. He resided in New Britain since 1997 and was a member of St. Mary's Church, Newington. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Keene State and his Master's degree from Central Connecticut State University. "Mr. D" was a dedicated physical education teacher at Dr. Martin Luther King School in Hartford for 14 years and was a union officer for the Hartford Federation of Teachers. Mike was very proud to be the soccer coach to his children's teams in New Britain. He loved sports and was an avid Red Sox, Redskins, and Celtics fan. He had a green thumb and loved to garden. He was a wonderful son to his father and stepmother, Michael A. DeMaio and Patricia Sullivan of Windsor and his mother and stepfather, Barbara (Gervais) Ciancimino and James Ciancimino of Newington. Michael leaves his sister and brother-in-law Julie and Tom Lucas of Madison, his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Elzbieta DeMaio of New Britain, his maternal grandmother, Helen Gervais of Hartford, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Alan Nightingale of Deering, NH, Kathy and John Triscani of Manchester, NH, Susan Picknell of George's Falls, NH, Karen Nightingale and Kerriann Nightingale, both of Hampton, NH, and Jonathan and Danielle Nightingale of Manchester, NH; his aunts and uncles, Debra Morin of Fort Myers, FL, Gregory DeMaio of Broad Brook, Theodore and Jane DeMaio of Manchester, William Gervais of Hartford, Robert and Kathy Gervais of Windsor, Diane Warner of Newington, and his Godmother Donna Marotto of Rocky Hill. He also leaves nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends, including Eugene Ciancimino of Newington. Michael loved his family, his students, his friends, Sunday football and hot and spicy foods. He was a compassionate man with a kind heart and we will miss his awesome sense of humor and his infectious smile. His funeral service will begin on Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Newington. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday from 4 - 8 p.m. at Newington Memorial. Memorial donations may be made to the DeMaio Children's Fund, c/o Franklin Trust Federal Credit Union, 632 Franklin Ave., Hartford, CT 06114. To share a memory with his family, please visit us at www.newingtonmemorial.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Dec. 17, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael DeMAIO

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Mike Farr

December 2, 2011

Mike was a good friend and will be greatly missed. I have found memories of our days at Keene State. Our trips to Waterville Valley for the NHAPERD conferences and trips to Hartford to see our beloved Whalers play hockey.

We both graduated from KSC and went on to get our Masters degree at CCSU together. I considered myself very lucky to have known Mike as we pursued our careers in physical education.

My sincerest condolences go out to his wife and family. To Mike's kids, your Dad was very proud of you and would brag about you constantly. Please remember he will be forever watching you with love!

Sincerely,
Mike Farr

Jennifer Pasion-Blocker

December 27, 2010

I don't know what to say....you were my support and my mentor as I was just getting into the teaching field. I never got the chance to say "thank you". Thankyou for always presenting your smile and your sense of humor, which I took as inspiration. I pray for your mother. She might not remember me but I was teaching at Webster when she was there. I love it there. Mr. D, thank you so much for being you and I will keep your memory alive by trying to remember your smile everytime things get a little hectic. Love "Ms. PPPAASsSSIIOONNN", just the way you used to say it :)

Frank Barresi

December 22, 2010

My prayers are with the DeMaio family. May God give you the strength you need during this difficult time.

Steven Thompson

December 22, 2010

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Demaio family during your loss.
The Thompson's (PAL Raider family will always be there for you and your family)

Jammie Jones

December 21, 2010

To Mr. D family i am sorry for your lost. I had the pleasure of working with Mr.D a few years ago caring devoted teacher, friend, and coworker. May God be with you and your family during this time of bereavement.
His memories live on though all the lives he has touch

Patricia Perugini

December 21, 2010

Kristen, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Michael was such a nice guy. I remember him coming to Brittany before you were married to visit you at work. Love to you and your children

Sherry Bengtson

December 21, 2010

To the family of Mike, you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time, and in the months to follow. My husband and I know how very difficult this time will be for you,, we will continue to pray for all of you! John and Sherry Bengtson

Saphire Linton

December 21, 2010

It was a pleasure knowing Mr. Demaio in the short time I was at MLK. He was an extremely friendly, wonderful man and a great teacher. I just wanted to send my condelences to the family. May God bless his wife, children and family.

December 21, 2010

I was roommates with Mike at KSC, sorry to hear about his passing.
Chris

gloria jones

December 20, 2010

To the family of Mr.DeMaio, He was a wonderful person who had a relationship with someone in some form or reason he was a loving and caring father and person. I can recall all the times and laughs we had togeher out of the five years I came to know him. To the family gone, But still remains in our hearts forever. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. believe God heals all pain with time and faith peace be with you in your time of healing .. Gloria Jones (MLK).

December 20, 2010

Such a kind man. He will be missed by all of us.
B Bernard

December 20, 2010

To the entire extended family of Mike, the Hartford Physical Education Teachers wish to express our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. As part of our PE family Mike was much loved and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayer are with you all. Joan Golden, Hartford Physical Educator

Sue Frazer

December 20, 2010

Barb,
words cannot express my sorrow for you and your family. Mike was "one of the good guys"...I will hold you all close in my prayers.

Joe Troiano

December 20, 2010

I am very sorry for your loss. Michael was one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Deborah Piotrowski

December 20, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Mike was an extremely caring, humorous, and kind colleague. We will miss Mike and his compassion for Hartford kids.

Victor Rivera

December 20, 2010

The DeMaio Family, My deepest sympathies go you. I am a colleague of Michael and can't say enough about him and the loss we'll have for him here in Hartford. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Andrea Johnson

December 20, 2010

A wonderful teacher and HFT Building Representative.

On behalf of the Hartford Federation of Teachers may I extend our sincere sorrow on the passing of a great brother, Michael.
Mike was a wonderful teacher who had the respect and admiration of his fellow teachers and students. He was a true union member who worked diligently for his MLK teachers.
How very fortunate we all are to have had the honor and pleasure to know Mike. God Bless.

Jim Hickey

December 20, 2010

Mike and Patty and family,

Please accept my sincere condolences. I was fortunate to have met Michael on several occasions. He was a fine young man that would make any father proud and I know you loved him deeply. Please take care.

Susan DeMaio

December 20, 2010

My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire DeMaio family. Michael was a very kind, gentle, compassionate, wonderful man he will be missed tremendously, My heart goes out to all of you.

Uncle Ted

December 19, 2010

Fond memories of my nephew

He would call and we would talk about snow blower, power washer or car problems. When we were together we would always talk about family gatherings and how we would have cabbage soup, smelts, kielbasa and don’t forget the horseradish! The laughs we had reminiscing about the Christmas show the nieces and nephews put on for their grandmother will last forever. As will the memories of making beets, lobsters, opening clams and of course Cape Cod with the flees. I’m going to miss him.

Kathy & Dennis Blais

December 19, 2010

To the DeMaio Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Tiona, student MLK

December 19, 2010

To the family of Mr.DeMaio, my family and i are sorry to hear of your loss especially me he had been my gym teacher for three years at M.L.K. he was such a nice man i will miss him. may his soul rest in peace.

December 19, 2010

Mike and Patty,
Our thoughts and prayres are with you.
Wilfred and Diane

December 18, 2010

Mike, Barb, Julie, Paul, and Kristien...I am so sorry to hear the news about Mike. I have so many fond memories of him from our Saint Mary days when he was a student in my social studies class and when he played hoop for us (he was one of the best!) to the times I would see and speak to him in the halls of NHS. I saw Mike last year and after hearing him talk about his family and his job at MLK, I remember feeling so proud of the man Mike had become. Mike could light up a room with his smile and quick wit. The world has truly lost a very special man. My prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

David Milardo, Newington, CT

Diane Croughwell

December 18, 2010

To the DeMaio family,
I am sad to hear of Michael's passing at such a young age. My thoughts are with you, especially Julie. Diane Croughwell

steve & joanna korker

December 18, 2010

With deepest sympathy to the Demaio family:
It's said there is nothing as heartbreaking as a parent losing a child. No matter the age of either, the laws of nature say parents go first. As a teacher, Michael would want us to understand there are lessons to learn both from his life as well as his passing. Whether a loving family member, a caring friend, a teaching colleague or someone who barely knew him, we can all feel the power of his loss by taking time to understand what his life brought to those around him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who love him and to those touched by his life.

December 18, 2010

Mike, Barb, Julie, Paul, and Kristen...I am so sorry to hear the news about Mike. I have so many fond memories of him from our Saint Mary days when he was a student in my social studies class and when he played hoop for us (he was one of the best!) to the times I would see and speak to him in the halls of NHS. I saw Mike last year and after hearing him talk about his family and his job at MLK, I remember feeling so proud of the man Mike had become. Mike could light up a room with his smile and quick wit. The world has truly lost a very special man. My prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Donald &Caroline Butler

December 18, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to the Demaio family. We have such fond memories of Mike going all the way back to high school to the present. We will miss his cheerfulness and great smile. Mike was a very compassionate man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

December 18, 2010

Our hearts go out to Mike's family. Mike played basketball with our son, Rick at Newington High School. He always has a smile and a big hello for everyone. He will be missed.

Terri and George Bangs

mlking school yyyhyy

December 18, 2010

mr demaio is my teacher now but he just past away i go to mlk now and i just cant imagine him dieing

December 18, 2010

Barbara, Jim, Julie and Paul:
I was shocked to hear of Michael's passing. He was such a wonderful son and brother, husband and father. He always had a big smile and a kiss whenever he greeted me. I will miss him very much. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. May God be with you during this trying time.
Memere

December 18, 2010

Dear Kristin, Michael, Kaylee and Taylor: I was so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. It was quite a shock. He was such a wonderful grandson to me, always greeting me with that big beautiful smile. May God give you the courage and the strength to carry on during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy is with you and yours. Memere

Nancy Winterbottom

December 18, 2010

In the stressful world of constant change and upheaval that was life in our city school, Michael DeMaio was the stable rock that held so many spirits up. He was the father figure to a school filled with so many fatherless children. With his warm, friendly smile, quick wit, and his great big giant heart, he captured the respect, admiration, and certainly the hearts of the entire Martin Luther King School Community. While many kids pushed the limits, and sometimes pushed his buttons, they all knew, in their hearts, that Mr. D was in their corner. The teachers knew he had their backs as well. He stood up for those who couldn’t stand for themselves.

To Michael’s parents, you must have been so very proud. You did your job so well! It’s obvious that he grew up surrounded by so much love, because he was able to love, and be loved, by so many. That spirit of love will undoubtedly live on in his three children, and their children as well. His family was his world. He was so proud of his children. I’m sure you all know that, and I hope his great big spirit will help to carry you through the dark days ahead.

Barbara & Dave Niedzwiecki

December 18, 2010

Barbara, Mike, Julie & Paul - Our family is shocked and deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Michael. We will remember him fondly as a child on Old Farm Dr. We ran into him this year - what a fine young man! All he talked about were his children - he was so proud of them. Our deepest sympathy to all.

fiona sherwood

December 18, 2010

i went to mlk school my name is fiona he was a good man when the teachers told us some try to be good and some cry and went some were

eddie sanchez

December 18, 2010

DEMAIO, may you rest in peace my friend, you will be missed but not forgotten...
my thoughts and prayers are with your family...

Carmen Nieves

December 17, 2010

R.I.P. Mr. D, you were a great men, u will always be love and never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with your family!! Carmen Nieves and Family.

sanya saunders

December 17, 2010

i love u and miss u mr.demio
love sanya a student at mlk school

Kristen McGonigle

December 17, 2010

Kristin, I am so sorry to hear about Mike. I will keep you and the kids and my thoughts and prayers. Hope to see you soon. Hugs and more Hugs.

Diane Dodge

December 17, 2010

Mike & Patty: My deepest sympathy at the tragic loss of your son. I'm still in shock over the news. You're in my thoughts and prayers and if I can do anything, please let me know.

Ann & Joe Comforti

December 17, 2010

May the memories you cherish of Mike and the love of family and friends that surround you help you through the difficult days ahead.

Ron and Roberta Fanelli

December 17, 2010

To the DeMaio Family: Our deepest and sincerest condolences for the loss of Mike. We have some wonderful memories of Mike from St. Mary's School. He was polite and gracious. He always had a smile that made you feel special.

Rich Pinchera

December 17, 2010

To Mike's family. We have fond memories of Mike from Newington High when he played basketball with our son Joe. He always had the biggest smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Rich and Sandy Pinchera

Meghan Stock

December 17, 2010

My thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the entire DeMaio family during this difficult time.

Richard Skowronski

December 17, 2010

We at Noah Webster School are truly sorry for your loss. Mike's teaching lives in all of his students and colleagues.

Jodi (Formato) Sullivan

December 17, 2010

My deepest condolences on the loss of Mike, I pray that the wonderful memories you have will help in easing the tremendous pain you must all feel. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Janelle (Verreault) Zavala

December 17, 2010

Paul & family,
Wishing you strength this holiday season and hoping the sadness fades to allow back in all the wonderful, happy memories you have of Mike.

Tara (Ahern) Caetano & family

December 17, 2010

To Mike's entire family - I was so shocked to hear of Mike's passing. I have such great memories of Mike & the family, especially from the St. Mary's years. I am truly sorry, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Leigh (Taylor) Moran

December 17, 2010

So sorry to hear of your loss. Mike had a way of making everyone smile. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Betty Clancy

December 17, 2010

To Julie, Barbara, Jim and all of the family of Mike.
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Michael was such a wonderful guy who we all will miss. Remembering my days at MLK and how well loved Mike was. My prayers are with His wife and children and you Julie, Barbara and Jim.
Friend always Betty Clancy

Krystal Talley

December 17, 2010

I am so sorry for your lost. I use to go to MLK and Mr DeMAIO was my gym teacher. I was in 5th grade at the time and Mr. C was my teacher at the time. My deepest sympathies to you and your entire family.

December 17, 2010

It seems like yesterday Michael, Paul and Bobby were piled up and wrestling on Mermere’s couch on Thanksgiving Day. Mem always bought Mike’s favorite pickles. Boy did he love pickles! Michael was such a compassionate little boy. I remember one time when I was sick, he came over and just sat down close to me. He did not say a word he just looked up at me with those big blue eyes and I knew he was concerned. He carried that compassion into his adulthood making him a beloved husband, father and teacher. Working in healthcare in Hartford I would occasionally run into one of Michael’s students or colleagues. His colleagues spoke so highly of him and his students loved him! I can’t remember the last time I saw Michael without one of his children on his hip or at his side. He was a hard working devoted family man and I was so proud of him. I will always remember his laugh and his sweet smile. Rest peacefully Michael Love you always Matante Diane

Kathy Gervais

December 17, 2010

Words cannot express the sadness and shock we felt when we heard the tragic news about Michael. Memories flooded my mind of his beautiful smile and mischievous giggle. His shining eyes said it all. We grieve with you. Kathy, Bobby, Taryn, Danielle

Carrie Rocha

December 17, 2010

My deepest sympathy to the DeMaio Family for the loss of Michael. I always remember him fondly from our years at St. Mary's and at Newington High. He would always make you laugh and smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Carrie (Belanger) Rocha & Family

Michelle Macket

December 17, 2010

Kristin - our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the kids at this terrible time. Mike was a great man and will be very missed. Michelle (Gosselin) and Toby Mackey

Barbara Hollingsworth

December 17, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

December 17, 2010

Kristen, Michael, Kailee, Taylor, Mike and Barbara and the extended family

We were so shocked and saddened by Michael B's passing. Know that your family loves you and you are all in our thoughts and in our prayers. He was a wonderful Dad, husband, son and friend.

Love Joyce, Jack, John, Meghan Gormley, Dawn and Eric Schroeder

Patricia Charles

December 17, 2010

You were a bright and shining light to all of us at King School. Your presence will be missed, as King School will never be the same without you. Thanks for the memories.

beverley murphy

December 17, 2010

Barbara, Julie , Paul and Mike, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Michael's passing as thoughts of the years at St. Mary's filled my mind. My deepest sympathy at your tremendous loss and may the memories of a fine young man who left this world much too soon help you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

December 17, 2010

We have such fond memories of growing up together, laughing and watching/talking about the Sox, Skins and Celts. Mr. D's laugh was infectious and always made everyone around him happy. Love you and miss you deeply. Love Melisha DeMaio and Matt Simpson

Doris and Ron Bouffard

December 17, 2010

Barbara, Mike, Julie, Paul and all of Mike's family,
Very sad to hear about Mike. We have many good memories of him from St.Mary's days.Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Shirley Leong

December 17, 2010

Mike & Patty, My deepest sympathy to you and the family. May happy memories sooth your pain ~

Brett and Mayra Holbrook

December 17, 2010

One can never imagine the pain one must feel from such a tremendous loss. Michael was a vivacious and fun-loving long-time friend and a groomsmen at our wedding on 9/18/10. We will be terribly missed.

God Bless.

Maureen Jordan

December 17, 2010

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. He was always smiling while up at Vance. If your family needs anything please let us know.
Vance PTA

Hal Nagel

December 17, 2010

My deepest sympathy on your loss.My thoughts are with you and your family

Roberto Rodrigues

December 17, 2010

"You have my deepest sympathy on your loss. Michael was a good friend and a good father and a good husband and will be sorely missed.

Pennie DiBerardino

December 17, 2010

So very sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. It seems like just yesterday that Michael and Adam and the rest of St. Mary's boys were playing basketball at the gym, very fond memories. Words cannot express our sympathy to all of Michael's family. Love, Pennie and Vincenz DiBerardino

December 17, 2010

To the DeMaio Family. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to you.

The Fraga's

December 17, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time.
Ryan Pouliot and Rosita Mills-Pouliot

Newington Memorial Funeral Home

December 17, 2010

With deepest sympathy during your time of mourning.

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