Michael J. Goepfert

Michael James Goepfert, 61, of Vernon, CT passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, February 23. He was born on December 28 in Holyoke, MA. He is predeceased by his father, Marcel Goepfert. Mike grew up in Willington and Tolland, CT. He graduated from Tolland High School in 1977. A business graduate of Central Connecticut State University, he ran a successful manufacturing company which was founded by his father, Marcel. Michael was tremendously proud of his accomplishments throughout his years at Willington Nameplate Inc. in Stafford Springs, CT. He treated his employees like extended family. His personal touch on running his business caused him to be revered as not only an admirable CEO, but as a friend to all. Michael is survived by his beloved girlfriend, Mary Ahern; his mother, Sheila (Rainaud) Goepfert; his siblings, Stephen Goepfert and his wife Doreen, Lynn Dwyer and her husband, Jeffrey, Lisa Cretella and her husband Sal; his five sons, Michael and wife Brittany, Steven and his wife Ashley, Daniel and his wife Mary, Brian, and Joseph; and his four grandchildren, Quinn, Steven Jr., Iris, and Michael. He also leaves behind the mother of his five boys, Janet (Goepfert) O'Keefe. He took a great deal of pride in his five sons and they were the center of this life. He lived by his example, instilling a sense of purpose, pride, persistence and honor into all of his boys. He was a great father who made attending all of their games a top priority, coaching many of their teams. He cherished spending time with all of his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly as their "Papa". Though a tireless worker to provide for his children, he never sacrificed moments with his family for work. Weekly Wednesday dinners were a tradition he greatly cherished, where his parents, siblings, five sons, girlfriend and grandchildren would all congregate for food, drinks, and laughs. A regular ritual for over ten years, there were very few weeks missed due to special circumstances, most of which were rescheduled. Accompanied by his longtime girlfriend, Mary, they enjoyed traveling, cycling, fishing, visiting craft breweries, and spending time in Florida or at the family house in Cape Cod. As an ever-notorious proponent for having a good time, Michael had friends, or made new ones, everywhere he went. He was considered a "regular" at several local restaurants and bars. His contagious positivity and cheerful spirit brought those around him together, both familiar friends and close-sitting strangers. His cycling hobby turned into a mission when his son Daniel was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2003, followed by Steve and Joey later on. He raised over $250,000 riding for his sons over 17 consecutive years. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation: CCF - In honor of Michael Goepfert, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Herriman, Utah 84096, USA. If you wish to donate by phone, please call (888) 936-6731 and speak with Laurie Kikel. https://cholangiocarcinoma.org/michael-goepfert/ Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 10 am to 2 pm with a Funeral Service in his memory following at 2 pm on Friday, Feb. 28th, at the Tolland Funeral home, 375 Merrow Rd. (Rte. 195) Tolland, CT 06084. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com