Michael A. Krieger

1951 - 2022

Michael Alan Krieger of Colchester passed away on March 31, 2022, just days shy of his 71st birthday, after dealing with Parkinson's disease for over 14 years. Born in Norwich, CT on April 4, 1951, he was the son of Selma and Julian Krieger. He worked at his father's station, Krieger Motor Sales, and was pumping gas at age 6 years old. He graduated from Norwich Free Academy where he played trumpet in the marching band and then went to University of Connecticut where he met his wife, Claire (Haggis). Their first date was to a Boston Red Sox game, which foreshadowed a lifelong obsession with all things BoSox. He earned a master's degree at University of Hartford and then began a career of public service as a social worker with the Dept. of Corrections and Dept. of Children and Families where he made lifelong friends and spent many coffee breaks at the Liberty Tree. Prior to moving to Colchester, he was a resident of Gales Ferry for almost 40 years where he and Claire raised two daughters, Alicia Whitney Krieger Grimes of Somerville, MA and Leah Charlene Krieger of Glastonbury, CT. As a father of two girls, he tried to craft ponytails and braids, sat through countless dance recitals, and made many trips to TJMaxx. He coached the Lady Bugs and Robins softball teams. Michael was an enthusiastic sports fan and, besides the Red Sox, he followed UConn Huskies football and women's basketball. A former New York Giants fan, he changed allegiance to the New England Patriots when daughter Leah joined their dance team. He collected stamps and coins, enjoyed old clocks especially those with chimes, and was an avid silverplate polisher, which strengthened his fingers. Many vacations were spent at Cape Cod. He loved cruises, especially the buffets, and his favorite destination was Bermuda. He owned a 55 Buick Roadmaster which was a lifelong project he was "going to get to." And let's not forget he was a longtime follower of The Young and the Restless. Besides his wife and daughters, Michael also leaves his sister Karen Krieger Shlossman and brother-in-law Marc Shlossman of Tempe, AZ, brother-in-law William (Ted) Haggis, sons-in-law James Grimes and Gary Mack, beloved grandson Charlie Arlo Grimes, cousins and nieces and nephews. Burial will be private. Family and friends are welcome to visit the family at their home on Saturday, April 9 between 1:00 – 5:00. Memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity.