Michael J. Marsan Sr. was born October 1, 1953, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Dorothy Babey Marsan and Joseph A. Marsan. With deep roots in Stratford, he was known over the years as Mike, Michael, Stick, Duckpin Mike, and to many of his younger kids’ friends, Big Mike.

Michael grew up in the Heights section of Stratford, where childhood days were spent playing ball at High Park, walking to Crudo’s, and riding his bike throughout the neighborhood. He attended Stratford public schools and graduated from Stratford High School with the Class of 1972.

Michael’s earliest employment was at Steve’s Market in Stratford and at the Shakespeare Theatre, where he had the opportunity to meet Katharine Hepburn but most important to Mike, he got to recommend a good place to sit down and have a beer to the original Frankenstein.

Michael went on to have a long career spanning more than 25 years with CCL Label, where he worked as a printer. In his younger years, he also enjoyed playing softball, taking the field for both Barnum Duckpin Bowling Alleys and CCL Label.

As a young man, Michael had an adventurous and free-spirited side. He often talked about hitchhiking back and forth to Cape Cod and following The Grateful Dead on tour. These adventures became some of the stories he enjoyed telling for years to come—like the time he took a dip in the Lincoln Memorial.

Music was a big part of Michael’s younger years. He loved good music and was especially proud of the time he got to play the bongos with the Peter Hull Band at Toad’s Place in New Haven. It may have happened only once, but to Michael, it was a memory worth holding onto—and certainly a story worth telling.

Mike was also a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan, going all the way back to the 1960s, as well as a devoted New York Yankees fan. His television was always on, with either a game or a news channel playing in the background. Sports and keeping up with what was happening in the world were simply part of his everyday life.

When he was able, Mike loved sitting at the seawall, the dock, or Short Beach with his Dunkin’ coffee in hand—a large with 10 creamers and one Equal. Later, when he could no longer get out himself, you simply didn’t visit Mike without bringing his coffee. And don’t think you could fool him—he knew immediately if they messed up his order.

Michael was the father of Michael J. Marsan Jr. (Tina), Meghan Marazzi (Bill), and Melissa Marsan (Rob), with their mother, June Keegan; Michelle Marsan (Ryan) and Joseph Marsan (Maggie), with their mother, Colleen Mraz; and Alexis Ellison (Will). He was also Big Mike to Noah, Ashley, Alyssa, Dave, and others who came into his life and thought of him as a second father. He had 11 grandchildren. and sister, Barbara Perusse. In addition to his parents, Mike was pre-deceased by his brother, David Marsan. 

During Mike’s final years, his daughter Michelle and her boyfriend, Ryan, took on the role of his primary caregivers. As his health declined and his battles with cancer and COPD became increasingly difficult, they brought Mike into their home so he could be cared for by family. Together with Joe, Alexis, and their mother, they surrounded him with care and support through the difficult weeks leading up to his passing.

After such a long and difficult journey, Michael’s final moments were peaceful. He passed in the home of Michelle and Ryan, with Michelle and Joe beside him, along with his faithful dog, Rudy, affectionately known as “Uncle Joe.”

Visitation on Saturday September 12, 2026, from 10:00a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford. with a prayer at 11:45 a.m.