Deacon Michael Saranich Jr. of Stratford, beloved husband of Arlene (Ryan) Saranich, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2023, at the age of 83.   Known to his friends as Mike, he was born in Bridgeport on July 13, 1940, to the late Michael and Loretta (Ugolik) Saranich.  Raised and educated in Fairfield, Mike attended St. Anthony of Padua and Roger Ludlowe High School.   Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where his love of aviation began. After being discharged, he worked at the Connecticut National Bank, where he met the love of his life, Arlene.  This past May, they celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.

Mike received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Fairfield University School of Engineering & Computing, formerly the Bridgeport Engineering Institute (BEI), and then began his career at Sikorsky Aircraft.  He then went on to Avco Corporation and Pitney Bowes, from which he retired after 19 years.

Following retirement, Mike obtained a Masters in theology from Sacred Heart University.   After receiving a higher calling, he was ordained as a Deacon in 2002. Mike cherished his duties, performing many masses, funerals, and baptisms over his 20 years of dedicated and faithful service in parishes throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport.

Mike enjoyed traveling to Europe and cruising to the Islands. He was a long-time member of the Gaelic-American Club, where he enjoyed a glass of Jameson with his dear friends every week.  He also enjoyed collecting model helicopters and sitting in his backyard with binoculars, watching airplanes flying overhead.  Most of all, Mike relished spending time with his treasured grandchildren.

In addition to his loving wife, Arlene, Mike will be deeply missed by his three beloved children, Kevin Saranich, Kristine Carroll and her husband Christopher, Kenneth Saranich and his wife Tara and his six cherished grandchildren, Shannon, Kara, Daniel, Liam, Grace, and Aine.  He also leaves behind his brother Robert Saranich, his wife Barbara, seven nephews, and many cousins.  Mike was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Daniel Ryan Jr., and his wife Shirley.

Friends may call on Thursday, October 12, from 4-7 p.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home at 50 Paradise Green Place in Stratford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church on 498 Second Hill Lane in Stratford. Interment, with full military honors, will be privately held at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project.