Obituary: Michael A. Rusate, 67, Of Meriden

MERIDEN, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Michael A. Rusate, 67, of Meriden, loving husband of Glorianne (Sargalski) Rusate, passed away surrounded by his family on May 26, 2023 at MidState Medical Center.

Michael was born in New Haven on March 17, 1956, a son of the late Andrew and MaryAnn (Fonda) Rusate.

A week after his wedding, he gained employment at United Technologies (Pratt & Whitney). At the time, a young man who spent his early life in New Haven, he had yet to experience the world. Mike was selected to study continuous improvement under Mr. Ito and traveled to numerous countries with Ito University. He enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing other cultures.

Mike continued employment with various branches of UTC until retirement in 2019, upon which he started his own consulting firm. He credits the many people he met in his time at UTC for shaping his life and helping him become an even better father.

Retirement allowed him to further his love of golf. When he wasn’t chipping and putting in the backyard, he could often be found at Hunter’s Golf Course or Violi’s.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Glorianne. They enjoyed many years together raising a family, taking family vacations, being grandparents, and were just starting to enjoy retirement together. Always and forever, the love of his life, he was grateful for her undying support especially for the past year and a half.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Christina Rusate of Milford and Lisamarie Masters and her husband (the son Mike never had), Joshua, of Bermuda.

Mike was and still is his daughters’ number one supporter. When they were young, he was always cheering them on at games, concerts, and plays. As adults, he continued to be proud of their accomplishments with his highest hopes for them to find happiness. He instilled in them the value of education (always rewarding a good report card with ice cream and a book) and the importance of family. He continued these traditions with his grandchildren Lillian and Bruce whom he adored.

Growing up as one of eight children, Mike put family first and was proud of his Italian heritage. He was loved by all his numerous nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. He was often seen as a father figure to many extended family as well.

Mike is also survived by his sister, Donna Rusate; his brothers, Andrew (Lynn), Anthony (Cindy), James (Donna) and Steven (Sara) Rusate; many nieces and nephews and his godchildren, as well as his beloved dog, Cookie. He was predeceased by his siblings, April Read and Mark Rusate.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Midstate ICU for the outstanding care they provided during Mike’s stay.

Michael’s family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext., on Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 2, 2023 in the funeral home. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meriden Humane Society, 311 Murdock Ave, Meriden CT.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.