Michael John Giuliano

1943 - 2018

Michael John Giuliano, on March 22, 2018, after seventy-five years of casting a warm, tender loving glow over the lives of so many, died unexpectedly after successful shoulder surgery and a brief and courageous battle with cancer. His greatest loss will be felt by his beloved wife of nearly forty-nine years, Marra (Casserino). He was the wind beneath her wings, her reason to be, the love of her life. Together they were an inseparable team both in marriage and in business. Son of the late Carl and Jennie (Bellobuono), Michael was born on February 16, 1943, the coldest day on record in the State of Connecticut. It was 32 degrees below zero in Middletown, a fact that Michael, a history buff, enjoyed pointing out to listeners to stories about the past that he loved to tell. He had great affection for Middletown's North End neighborhood where he grew up, and for his years at Macdonough School where he made lifelong friendships. He graduated VINAL Technical High School where he pursued his childhood dream of becoming the best auto body mechanic he could possibly be. He apprenticed for eleven years with Victor Rook, his mentor and dear friend, before establishing, with great pride, his own successful business of thirty-five years, Giuliano Auto Body, Inc. Michael never forgot a customer's name or car, treating everyone as family. He was a member of the Connecticut Auto Body Association and the Auto Body Association of Greater New Haven for over thirty years and served on its Board of Directors for twenty years. He was recognized on several occasions in the trade publication HEADLINER for his efforts in advancing the auto body industry. He was Chairperson for the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, directing the auto body competition for seven years. He served in an Advisory capacity for the Admissions Board at VINAL. He also participated in a program which provided hands-on work experience for a high school senior, and in the Education Based Career program at Portland High School, which also gave students training in the field of auto body repair. He loved working with young people and willingly shared all he knew with them. He was the first auto body shop to employ a female technician and painter. He was also an active and generous participant in the life of the community. He served on numerous town and civic organizations, including two terms on the town of Portland's Economic Development Commission and on its Strategic Planning Committee. He was a Corporate and Executive Board member on Portland Revitalization. For fifteen years he was a Commissioner for the Portland Housing Authority. For six years he was a member of the Connecticut National Guard, serving for three years as the company's Motor Sergeant. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Indian Hill Cemetery Association, as well as a member of the Maintenance Committee for the Middlesex Historical Society. Whatever he committed to, he gave it his all. He was a man of conviction with a steady calm hand. He was an avid UCONN Women's Basketball fan and was looking forward to their participation once again in the Final Four. He enjoyed his vacation home in Newport, Rhode Island and sailing the waters of Narragansett Bay for many years. In retirement, he applied the craftsmanship and creativity he had honed in auto body work to the medium of woodworking. He carefully selected fine woods to fashion into pens and period furniture of his own design. Much appreciation to Middlesex Hospital's Home care team of Colleen, Pam, Tracy and Dorothy. Also to Middlesex Hospice program which treated him with dignity, compassion and love. Special thanks to all the nurses and techs on the seventh floor, in particular, Dori, Chris, Erin, Kelly and Linda who made his last days peaceful. Special thanks to Dr. Bill Zeidler, and to Dr. Joshua Garcia, whose kindness and compassion insured his total comfort. And to his special buddy, Bill Buggie, who unselfishly stood by his side to the end. Michael leaves a sister, Carol Baronowski, and her children, along with many cousins and numerous dear friends. At Michael's request, there are no calling hours. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Sebastian's Church, Middletown on Monday, March 26 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider remembering Michael by a random act of kindness to a stranger, by a donation to St. Sebastian's Church, or to the Middlesex Memorial Hospital Hospice program which gave him the freedom to fly.