Obituary: Michael J. Paleski Sr., 81, formerly of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Michael J. Paleski Sr. departed on October 20, 2023. He leaves his wife, Judith Kunz Paleski, his one and only true love. Every day for 59 short years he woke and recommitted himself to her and to his family. He leaves to cherish his memory his sister Barbara Paleski Malone; his children Denise Raymond, Michael (Meghan) Paleski Jr., Jacqueline Curl, Christopher (Amy) Paleski; his grandchildren, Alexandra (Bruce) Mancheski, Michael (Kelsey) Manemeit Jr., Jenna Curl, Connor Paleski, Douglas (Sofiya) Curl, Madeline Paleski, Grace Paleski, Nadia Curl, Nathaniel Raymond, Olivia Paleski, Ethan Raymond, Cameron Paleski, and Payton Paleski. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Dior, Mila, Cameron, Winnie, Cooper, Crew, Caleigh, Aurelien, and Mariposa. He also leaves his cousin, James (Lillian) Whalen and his mother in law, Lillian Jones and many nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own.

There are 26 letters in the English alphabet and around 1700 words. With so few letters and words it’s challenging to describe this beautiful and humble family man. We will follow his example and keep it simple. He got it right! He made being the patriarch of a large family look easy. He had a one- on- one relationship with each member of his family. There have been many times where his kids and grandkids would have light- hearted arguments, each claiming to be Poppy’s favorite. He put his family first and was always willing to listen. Whether it was on the beach, where he loved to sit and enjoy a cold beer or at a family picnic or just sitting in his living room shooting the breeze, he ALWAYS had the time. He was funny and would tell you what you needed to hear plainly and honestly. He spoke with love and genuine concern but never with judgement. You always knew he had your best interest at heart and he wanted the best for you. He never left anything unsaid and ended every conversation with, “Love you, Bye Bye”. To say that he will be missed is an understatement but the truth is he will be remembered and his name will be kept alive in our hearts, minds, and on our lips. We will reminisce, laugh, and cry and talk about him any chance we get. He will continue to guide us. He walked the talk, now he will always be walking with us.

He worked for the U.S. Post Office for 30 years and had many friends. He never met a stranger. He offered a smile and a firm handshake and that sealed the deal. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was born and raised in New Haven, CT to Elizabeth Whalen Clemente. His grandparents had emigrated from Ireland and he was very proud of his Irish Heritage. He’d say, “Be Irish, Every Day!” He spent his life in both Connecticut and Florida. He loved the warm weather. His Door was always open, there was a cold one in the fridge and a pot of sauce and his famous meatballs on the stove top. May he rest in peace, until we meet again.

Friends may call Thursday November 9 from 5-7 P.M. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday November 10 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary Church of St. John Bosco Parish in Branford. Burial will be private. Please see his online memorial @ www.wsclancy.com.

“May the road rise up to meet you. May the Wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of your hand.”