MICHAEL "JR" DeANGELO JR.
"Loving husband, father and grandfather"
Michael "JR" DeAngelo Jr., age 84, of Oakville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family September 27, 2025, at Saint Francis Hospital. He was the devoted and loving husband of 61 years to Phyllis (Palmieri) DeAngelo.
Michael was born January 3, 1941, in Waterbury, a son of the late Michael and Mary (DeFilio) DeAngelo Sr. He was a proud graduate of Wilby High School and honorably served his country in the United States Navy. Prior to his retirement in 2004, JR worked at Scoville Manufacturing, Century Brass, and retired from Waterbury Rolling Mills.
JR lived life with joy, kindness, and an unmatched spirit. A gifted athlete in his younger years, he excelled in both baseball and basketball and later dedicated himself to coaching, inspiring and mentoring countless young athletes. His love of sports carried throughout his life-he was a loyal fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants, and when his granddaughter attended Penn State, he proudly became a Nittany Lions fan, never missing a chance to cheer them on. An avid golfer, JR was proud to have achieved not just one but three holes-in-one, a true testament to his talent and passion for the game.
He was also a man who cherished life's simple joys. His mornings often began with his beloved Dunkin' runs, and he was rarely seen without his Pepsi and Lay's chips, two of his favorite little indulgences that brought a smile to those around him. Beyond all else, JR's heart and soul belonged to his family. His wife, children, and grandchildren were his greatest treasures, and the love he gave was returned to him tenfold. He was the light of every room he entered and built deep, lasting friendships wherever he went. His laughter, warmth, and genuine love for people made him truly unforgettable.
Besides his loving wife of 61 years, he leaves behind his son Michael DeAngelo and his wife Beth of Southington, his daughter Michele Christensen and her husband Daryll of Prospect, two cherished granddaughters, Paige Carroll and her husband Ken, and Sydney Christensen and her fiancé Peter Hefele, along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Petti.
Michael "JR" DeAngelo was a remarkable man who lived fully, loved deeply, and gave endlessly. He will be profoundly missed, but his light will live on in all who were blessed to know him.
Arrangements: Funeral Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 10 AM directly at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Burial with military honors will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Watertown. There are no calling hours. Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, is assisting his family with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
American Heart Association
7272 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75231
https://www.heart.org/en/why-give
or
Herald Leever Regional Cancer Center
1075 Chase Parkway
Waterbury, CT 06708.
https://www.leevercancercenter.org/donate/
Published by WFSB on Sep. 29, 2025.