Obituary: Michael Joseph Riordan, Jr., 83, of Orange

ORANGE, CT - (From Cody-White Funeral Home) Michael Joseph Riordan, Jr., 83, beloved husband of Patricia Riordan (Serfilippi), passed away peacefully in Orange on December 31. He was born on March 8, 1938 to Michael and Helen (Halloran) Riordan.

After graduating from Hillhouse in 1956, Michael received his Bachelors and Master’s degrees from Southern Connecticut State College. He pursued a life-long career in teaching in Connecticut public schools, including Mary L. Tracey and Turkey Hill Schools in Orange.

A dedicated educator, Michael loved his job and his students. He tried to make each student feel special and bring out the best in them.

A great passion in his life was golf. He was a long-time member of Yale Golf Course. He particularly enjoyed golfing trips with his family, with highlights being Ireland, Scotland, and Hilton Head. Michael and his wife loved to travel.

They took many memorable trips, especially those with his siblings, children, and grandchildren. Michael and Patty also enjoyed spending winters in Naples, Florida for many years.

Michael is survived by Patty, his beloved wife of 60 years and high school sweetheart. He is also survived by his loving children; Christopher (Kelly) Riordan of Maumee, Ohio, Elizabeth (Jim) Jones of Page, Arizona, and Michael Joseph (Beth) Riordan III, of Westfield, New Jersey.

In addition he is survived by his brother Jim (Junona) of Newton, MA. Michael was predeceased by his sister Kathy (Ed) Fay of Branford and his sister Anne (John) Feely of Leighton Buzzard, England. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Georgia Jones of Page, Arizona, Matthew and Erin Riordan of Washington, D.C., and Abby, Michael, and Kate Riordan of Westfield, New Jersey. Michael also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A service and burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, located at 200 Executive Blvd S #4b, Southington, CT 06489 or Connecticut Hospice, located at 100 Double Beach Rd, Branford, CT 06405.