Waterbury Mr. Michael L. Tortorici, Sr, 85, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was the husband of Mary (Marone) Tortorici. Michael was born May 31, 1938 in Waterbury, son of the late Rafael and Rose (Adamo) Tortorici. He was an avid hunter and fisherman with a loving family. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Eugene Tortorici of Bristol and Michael L. Tortorici, Jr of Meriden; one sister, Santa Giacomi of FL; five grandchildren; Mickey, Theresa, Jocelyn and Gracelyn Tortorici. Ally Tortorici and her fiance Mike Finnerty. Gene, Mayte and Luca Tortorici. Danielle, Mark, Summer and Mason Johnson and several nieces and nephews. He began his career as a cook in the Army then became a Swiss screw machine operator and set up man who got his trade certification at Eisley Swiss. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather with a giant heart of gold. He was the type of person who always put everyone else first and would jump at the chance to help anyone with anything they needed. He would take the shirt off his back and give it away without question and still wonder how he could help more. He was honest and hardworking and his love for cooking continued all his life, as he prepared meals for every holiday and countless picnics, and always worried if those who attended had eaten enough of his delicious food. He spent many summers camping with his wife Mary and their cherished grandchildren. He loved Sudoku and crossword puzzles, reading and making a garden every spring that he would tend to all summer long. He adored his dog Sheeba and many other pets they had throughout their lives like the four kittens he rescued from the cold one winter by creating a warm box they could nest in until he earned their trust enough to come inside. He was smart and curious and always learning new things right up until the end of his life. He was a wonderful man, who had many friends and extended family, who always talked about how kind and compassionate he was. He was healthy and strong, and his death came as a sudden and very unexpected shock, leaving so many wishing we had more time to hear his laugh, give him one last hug or receive one more kiss on our hands from him. He was surrounded by his closest family as he passed, he will be dearly missed and our memories with him will be remembered until we meet him again one day, in heaven. Services Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday August 2, 2023 10:30 AM Saint Gregory Roman Catholic Church 235 Maltby St. Bristol, CT 06010