Obituary of Michael F. Mihalyo

Michael F. "Mike� Mihalyo, 44, of Colorado Springs, CO, formerly of Newington, CT, died unexpectedly on Sunday (Dec. 24, 2006). Mike was born in New Britain, CT on January 5, 1962 the son of Veronica (Danko) Mihalyo and the late Michael Mihalyo Sr. Mike graduated from Newington High School with high honors in 1980. He then went to the University of Connecticut and earned a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1984. He was a University Scholar for outstanding academic achievement. Mike went on to earn a MBA from California State University in January 1996. Mike was accepted into the Air Force in 1987 as a Distinguished Graduate and was an officer stationed in Colorado Springs, CO. He left with an honorable discharge as 1st Lieutenant in 1991, but remained in the reserves. Upon leaving the Air Force, Mike moved to California to work for NASA where he was responsible for satellite operations on the TOPEX project as a flight control engineer. His heart was still in Colorado so he returned there and worked for MCI as a Software Test Engineer Lead. Mike went on to become a licensed real estate broker in the state of Colorado where he owned and operated his own business. He was an entrepreneur at heart and started his own business franchise, "Byte Me Hotdogs�. Mike had many ideas for inventions and created several prototypes. In addition, he utilized other skills he had and worked as a boat builder, carpenter, painter, substitute teacher, mechanic and property manager. Mike had a passion for travel, visiting almost every state in the U.S., including Alaska where he spent three months and crossed into the Arctic Circle. He also traveled to 14 countries in Europe as well as Egypt, Mexico, Canada, Central America, South America and Australia, where he bungee jumped. His many interests included: golfing, being a musician, country dancing, marathon running, skiing, and being an outdoorsman and adventurer. Besides his mother, he is survived by a sister, Marianne Mihalyo of Newington, his uncle, Art Weber of Middletown and several cousins. He leaves behind his close friend and business partner, Gay Fenimore. Mike also leaves behind and will be missed by numerous longtime friends and countless people he met while traveling around the world. He was predeceased by his younger brother Mark Mihalyo, grandparents, and several aunts and uncles. Calling hours will be Wednesday (January 3, 2007) from 5 - 8 P.M. at the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain, with a prayer service at 6:30pm, followed by eulogies. There will be a private burial service at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mike may be made to a charity of the donor�s choice.