Francis Michael Giuffrida

Francis (Mike) Giuffrida age 83, beloved husband of Donna (Spadorcia) Giuffrida, passed away on June 4, 2024. Born on February 8, 1941 to the late John Giuffrida and Irene (Topazio) Giuffrida, Michael was one of four children. He was raised in Middletown, CT where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. Michael joined the U.S. Army in 1959. The majority of his service was spent in the Charlie Company 1stCalvary 2nd Medium Tank Battalion 3rd Armored Division 7th Army, USAREUR in Kirch-Goens, Germany. His love for this country extended across all aspects of his life. Immediately following his military service, he entered the insurance industry and spent the next 62 years working for Aetna, Travelers, and IAT Insurance Group. Michael's career literally started from the ground up, beginning in the mail room. He received multiple awards including the Aetna's Chairman's Award and Travelers Chairman's Award for his leadership, ultimately achieving a Senior Vice President position. Saying Michael enjoyed working is an understatement. Who else retires three times, and still applies to jobs on LinkedIn at 83 years old? Aside from his unmatched work ethic, he was generous, kind, intelligent, funny, and sometimes downright mischievous. Above all, he valued integrity and was honest (sometimes to a fault). Michael was someone you could always count on. He loved gardening and took great pride in tending to his plants and vegetables. His love for quality and attention to detail resulted in many great meals for family and friends. He was an excellent chef. It is unsurprising that Michael soldiered on throughout his cancer journey, remained positive, never complained, which is how he approached life. He had a deep love for his family and spending time with them. Michael always celebrated life and we are eternally grateful to have had him in ours. He was a boy scout at heart, and a member of the American Legion. He leaves behind his wife Donna, six children and their spouses: Michael and his wife Debbie, Lynn, Jeff and his wife Lydia, Riley, Scott and his wife Alex, Laura and her husband Kyle. He also leaves his brother John Giuffrida and his wife Elizabeth; his brother Joey and sister Rosa. Michael also leaves many nephews and nieces. He is survived by his grandchildren Dylan, Jenna, Cora, Luca and Aria. All services are private. In lieu of flowers, for those that wish to do so, the family welcomes donations to be made in memory of Mike Giuffrida to MitoCure (online at https://mitocure.org/donate/) or by way of check to The Foundation For a Cure For Mitochondrial Disease, Inc at 81 Wood Pond Road Cheshire CT 06410.