PLYMOUTH – Mr. Michael R. Ieronimo, age 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, March 16, 2024. He was the devoted husband of the late Lynda (Anthony) Ieronimo, who predeceased him by two months.
Born in Waterbury on April 8, 1937, Michael was the son of the late Achilles and Frances (Lombardo) Ieronimo, the youngest of five children. He graduated from Wilby High School and went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in education from Central Connecticut State College, his master’s degree in reading from UConn, and his sixth-year degree in administration from the University of Bridgeport.
Michael began his career teaching 5th grade at Russell School in Waterbury, where he met the love of his life, Lynda. “It all started with a cup of coffee.” After teaching 5th grade, he became a reading teacher at Bunker Hill School. He then became the reading supervisor for the city of Waterbury and ended his career as the Director of Elementary Education. He retired in 1994 after 35 years of service.
He had a lifelong passion for reading and learning. He inspired his children and grandchildren to become teachers, and he enjoyed taking classes even after his retirement. During his retirement, he served for many years as the president of the Waterbury Retired Teachers Association.
A world traveler, he and his wife Lynda traveled to six continents and many countries throughout their lives, collecting mementos and memories along the way. Michael’s favorite week of every year was the one when he took his entire family on summer vacation; where he enjoyed playing setback, having family dinners, and relaxing by the water.
He belonged to the local opera club and enjoyed shows at the Bushnell, on Broadway, and live operas from the Metropolitan Opera House at the Warner Theatre.
The only thing Michael loved more than opera was his family and his pets. Throughout his life, he was a friend, an uncle, a brother, a neighbor, a role model, a mentor, a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; but the one thing that everyone agreed upon was that he was always a gentleman.
Michael is survived by his five children, Lynn Ieronimo of Plymouth, Lauren Ieronimo Elias (Tom Abraham) of Harwinton, Michael Ieronimo (Christine) of Plymouth, Karen Ieronimo Griffin (Michael) of East Haddam, and David Ieronimo (Cathy) of Plymouth; his grandchildren, Ashley Hamilton (Jason), Corey Elias, Jordan Possemato (Michael), Kyle Elias, Jack Ieronimo (Ruby), Amy Ieronimo (Jared), Abbey Cianciolo (Spencer), Alex Ieronimo (Jessica), Diana Ieronimo (Jordan), Nicholas Ieronimo, Emily Ieronimo, Eva Ieronimo, Karli Griffin, and Spencer Griffin; and great-granddaughter Arya Hamilton.
He also leaves his brothers, Frank Ieronimo (Marie) of Waterbury, and Vincent Ieronimo of Waterbury; and his sister Stella Passaro of Prospect; as well as many generations of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In addition to Lynda, his beloved wife of 60 years, he was predeceased by his brother Salvatore Ieronimo, and brother-in-law Henry Passaro.
Michael’s funeral will be on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. from Maiorano Funeral Home, 95 Willow St., Waterbury, to St. Thomas Church in Thomaston for a Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be at the funeral home on Friday evening from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Michael’s honor to: the Waterbury Connecticut Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Fund and send to the WRTA, c/o Elaine McCabe, 118 Cider Mill Crossing, Torrington, CT 06790.
For information, to sign the online guest book or to leave online condolences visit maioranofuneralhome.com.
