Michael E. Spirito

Michael E. Spirito, 77, beloved husband of MaryAnn (Pustelniak) Spirito, passed away on August 7, 2022. Born on March 9, 1945, he was the son of the late Michael and Rose (LaBadia) Spirito and life-long resident of Bristol. A graduate of St. Anthony H.S. and Vaughn Barber School, he entered the Army in 1964, stationed with the 565th Medical Company in Baumholder, Germany, where he was awarded a commendation for outstanding military service. Upon discharge in February 1966, he returned to Bristol and took courses in business management, dynamics of speech, and psychology. Later he attended classes in barbering/hairstyling and worked at several local shops. He owned Mike’s Hair Design from 1996 until retirement in 2016. For 17 years he served as secretary/treasurer of Journeymen’s Local 986 and was on the Executive Board of the association, serving as its president from 1985-88. Mike was a life member of the B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge 1010 and for many years served as organist, and a member of The American Legion Post #2. He was also a communicant of St. Stanislaus Church where he was a lector. Always gregarious, Mike enjoyed conversations with his patrons about politics, baseball (he was an avid Red Sox fan), trivia, and cooking. His knowledge of old classic movies was phenomenal, remembering casts and story lines. Mike loved playing his accordion at family gatherings accompanied by his cousin, Tony LaBadia on the guitar and long-time friend Frank Capurso on the mandolin. He loved reciting poetry, especially “The Lion and Albert”. Mike loved cooking and being a food connoisseur, relishing the dishes he prepared and shared. Mike and MaryAnn enjoyed vacationing in Southern Maine relaxing by the sea. In addition to his wife, survivors include nephews Richard and Gregory Messina (his wife Michelle), Steven Messina, Michael Leo, and a niece, Mary Crocco. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by sisters Joanne Ulbrich, Sr. Christine Spirito M.P.F, Maryann Leo and niece Christine Leo. The family would like to thank Ingraham Manor-Bristol, Bristol Health Home Care Hospice especially Michele, Sophie and Julie.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 12, 2022 at 9 AM at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Avenue, Bristol, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. Stanislaus Church, 510 West Street, Bristol, CT. Burial with full military honors immediately following in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. Visitation will be Thursday, August 11, 2022, from 4 to 7 PM at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Avenue, Bristol. In lieu of flowers donations may be to St. Stanislaus Church or to the Bristol Elk’s Club in Michael’s name. To leave an online condolence go to Michael’s memorial page at www.FunkFuneralHome.com

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