Michael A. Carrier

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Michael A. Carrier on Thursday, April 11, 2019.  While his death was unexpected, Michael suffered from opioid addiction. We are grateful that when he died he was safe and he was with his family at home. Michael was born in Bristol on June 23, 1982.  He was 36 years old. A lifelong Bristol resident, he was a member of the Bristol Central High School Class of 2000 where he played soccer.  Throughout his life, Michael enjoyed playing indoor soccer with his sister and cousins, wiffle ball, skiing and anything "science" related especially when it came to meteorology.  Michael was a huge sports fan of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. He carried on his passion of playing soccer down to his beloved niece, Addison. He supported her by being her number one fan on the sidelines during almost all her soccer games.  Michael also enjoyed attending Katelyn’s Taekwondo classes each week. Time spent with his two nieces gave him great joy. Michael successfully completed his undergraduate studies at Keene State in which he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Safety and continued his post-graduate studies at the University of New Haven where he earned a Master’s Degree in Science and Education. It is impossible to capture a person in an obituary, and especially someone whose adult life was largely defined by opioid addiction.  To some, Michael was just an “addict” and when they saw his addiction they chose abandonment over compassion. And what a loss for them.  The real Michael was there deep down. He was a person of integrity, empathetic towards others, witty, fun-loving, and the conversationalist who always had a “fun-fact” to share.  He was cherished as a son, brother, nephew, uncle, godfather, cousin, and friend. Being loved by Michael was an amazing gift. Michael valiantly battled this horrific disease for 10 years.  He fought this daily fight relentlessly through multiple rehabilitation centers, attending numerous meetings and sharing his internal struggles with close family members.  During the past year his disease brought him to places of incredible loneliness, pain and shame. Sadly, the unconditional and never ending love and support from his family, could not save him from the powerful grip of addiction. Michael is survived by his parents, Anthony and Jackie; his sister and brother-in-law: Christina and Shaun Redman along with his beloved nieces: Addison and Katelyn; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Please join us in honoring Michael’s life on Wednesday (April 17, 2019) at 9 AM from Funk Funeral Home to St. Anthony Church, 111 School St., Bristol, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. Relatives and friends may call Funk Funeral Home on Tuesday between 4 and 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to these two causes: High Watch Recovery Center (62 Carter Road, Kent, CT 06757) in memory of Michael Carrier which will assist others battling addiction.  Michael spent time at High Watch where he felt supported and received compassionate care. The second donation can be made in Michael’s honor to https://www.gofundme.com/opioid-education-and-awareness.  We are taking comfort in knowing that Michael is surrounded by light.  The light that will give him new life. Please visit Michael’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com

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