Former Meriden Mayor, City Councilor Dies, Mourned

MERIDEN, CT — Longtime City Councilor and former Meriden Mayor Michael Rohde died Sunday at the age of 80, officials announced.

Rohde recently resigned from the City Council over “serious physical health issues.”

Rohde’s wife Nancy died in June, city officials said.

He served on the City Council for 25 years and five years as mayor.

“Mike was a visionary and a fierce advocate for so many who felt they weren't being heard,” Mayor Kevin Scarpati wrote in a post on Facebook. “His passion has helped reshape Meriden and I look forward to continuing the work he started, decades ago, and seeing it through to fruition. As he is now reunited with his wife, Nancy, my deepest condolences are with his children at this difficult time.

“Mike, thank you for your friendship and your tireless dedication to our community for more than three decades. You will be missed.”

Rohde was honored Monday night at the city’s Inaugural Celebration at Platt High School.