Michael Horbal

1925 - 2015

Michael Horbal, 89, of Berlin, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at Hartford Hospital after a short illness. Born on August 20, 1925 in Berlin, CT, along with his twin sister Anna, he was the son of the late Peter and Anna Horbal. Michael was a US Navy Veteran serving our country during World War II, sailing aboard the cruiser USS Wilkes-Barre through the Pacific. He was part of many battles and Kamikaze strikes. Michael proudly spoke of sailing into Tokyo Bay for the Japanese surrender to end World War II. Michael, along with his brothers John and George founded and operated Horbal Brothers Construction, Road Building/Utility Contractors serving the Central CT area for over 50 years. He was a past President and sat on the Board of Directors of the Kiwanis Club of Berlin, participating in numerous fund raising events to benefit the children of Berlin. Mike had a very active retirement, playing cards with his friends at McDonald's in the morning and later meeting others for a hot dog at Eddie's. He was famous for that cantankerous conversation with his friend Ralph Simeone about past infrastructure projects, politics and World War II. An avid Red Sox fan, he was always willing to take on the other side. His green thumb consumed countless hours in his green house and gardens along with that very special blueberry patch. Michael will be fondly missed by all who knew him, especially his wife of 62 years, Gloria (Cavagna) Horbal of Kensington, his daughter and son-in-law Linda and David Miga of Kensington, his son and daughter-in-law James and Bonnie Horbal of Berlin, his grandchildren Ashley Miga and her fiancé Kevin Aust of Newington, Brian Miga of Kensington, Gregory Horbal of Philadelphia, PA and Bethany Horbal of Farmington. Michael was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Glowacki and Anna Grabowski, and his brothers Peter Horbal, Jr., John Horbal and George Horbal. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 8:30 am at Porters Funeral Home, 111 Chamberlain Hwy., Kensington and at 10:00 am at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 305 Washington St., New Britain. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery, New Britain. Calling hours will be on Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a Panikhida service at 6:30 pm, at the funeral home.