Michael Horbal

BERLIN - 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 Aug. 20, 1925, in Berlin, along with his twin sister Anna, he was the son of the late Peter and Anna Horbal. Michael was a U.S. 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 Boston 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 were held on Saturday, May 2, at Porters Funeral Home, 111 Chamberlain Highway, Kensington and at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 305 Washington St., New Britain. Burial with military honors took place in the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery, New Britain.