Michael Peter Rizocki

Michael Peter Rizocki, 72, was born in Meriden, Connecticut, the eldest child of Walter and Katherine Rzegocki (Cotter). Brother to six siblings, Michael graduated from Xavier High School and went on to the University of Connecticut where he earned his undergraduate degree in biology and later his Master of Business Administration in health care management. His career spanned the laboratory, dental practice management, clinical practice management at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, and leadership roles at various medical organizations. He retired as an accomplished business analyst, having worked for multiple major insurers in Connecticut, including 17 years at UnitedHealth Group. He had a creative, curious, and thoughtful mind, and he relished his work.

Michael was a dedicated husband and father. He was deeply passionate about fly fishing, a fine car and Formula 1 enthusiast, and an avid gardener who loved photography, science fiction novels and classic horror stories, the picturesque Boothbay Harbor in Maine, and a fine lobster meal. He enjoyed cross-country travel and loved driving with the windows down to the sounds of classic rock. He was proud of his Polish, Irish, and Italian heritage, so fondly recalling the local pastry shops of his childhood neighborhood. He rarely left a holiday table without sharing a unique and unexpected story. Michael's pride and joy was his family and grandchildren.

Michael is predeceased by his parents, his brother Stephen Rzegocki, his brother-in-law Louis Escobar, his father-in-law Edward Nekiunas, and his sister-in-law Jane Nekiunas. He leaves behind his wife Judith Rizocki (Nekiunas) of 42 years; his daughter Meredith Gazdzinski and her husband Leszek and their children, Vera and Derek, of Vernon, Connecticut; and his son, Jonathan and his wife Parisa Mazandarani of Orange, California. Michael is survived by five siblings: James Rzegocki and his wife Diane of Seattle, Washington; Margaret Austin and her husband Russ of East Hampton, Connecticut; Mary Marquis and her husband Phillip of Esko, Minnesota; Jane Escobar of Portsmouth, Rhode Island; and Thomas Rzegocki and his wife Mary Jane of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Edna Nekiunas and his sister-in-law Paula Lambert, both of South Windsor, Connecticut. He leaves behind many treasured nieces and nephews across the country.

Michael passed in peace and will be sorely missed. His family will receive relatives and friends at Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road in South Windsor on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held the following day, Thursday, January 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church at 40 Pitkin Street in Manchester. Burial will follow at Wapping Cemetery in South Windsor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's memory to Protectors of Animals at 144 Main Street, Unit O, East Hartford, Connecticut, 06118, or www.poainc.org. For online condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com