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It is with overwhelming sadness, that we share the untimely death of Michael J. Conroy, on Jan. 24, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Michael was the beloved husband of Rose LaFemina. He grew up in Branford, one of eight children of Robert and Patricia Conroy. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers Thomas, Christopher, and Patrick (Diane) and his treasured mother-in-law, Rheta McDade. Michael is survived by his siblings Tim (Diane), Kate (Jack), Maureen (Brian), and Bill (Diane) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike had an engaging and gregarious personality, and his friends knew him to be generous, adventuresome, and fun. His stories were always entertaining, and he truly was the life of any gathering he attended.

On Mike’s frequent visits home to Branford, his first stop would be to check in at Lenny’s to catch up with his friends and enjoy a New England seafood dinner. Then he would hit as many New Haven pizza spots as he could, often traveling back to Florida with his favorite pie on his lap.

Mike was an accomplished competitive swimmer spending years as a member of the Pine Orchard Club and the Branford High School swim teams. He looked forward to the annual Branford High School swim team trips to Ft. Lauderdale, where he was struck by the beauty and lifestyle of South Florida. He was lured back during spring break while a student at Southern Connecticut State University and decided to stay. Mike found his piece of heaven close to the beach and enjoyed being a resident of Florida for many years.

Mike was an ardent sports fan. He cheered on his Miami Hurricanes and more recently the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even when his teams would disappoint, he would still proudly adorn their gear. He stayed loyal no matter the losses.

Mike had a tremendous work ethic and was not afraid to try a new enterprise. He was a successful entrepreneur and excelled in positions as captain and crew in both the yachting and aviation industry.

Mike found his partner and soul mate, Rose La Femina, shortly after settling in Florida. Together they lived life to its fullest, enjoying extensive travel and fine dining. As music lovers, they traveled to countless live performances by all the top acts.

Mike loved spending time at their home in Sanibel. He took tremendous pride in perfecting his pristine yard, adorning it with many plants, trees, and of course, his whimsical lawn ornaments. He enjoyed the wide variety of wildlife on the island and always marveled at the beauty of the osprey and bald eagles. When he was recently surprised by an alligator in the back yard, instead of feeling afraid, he took a picture and enthusiastically showed it to everyone, telling the story of his encounter. Always willing to try new things, Mike recently started playing pickleball with his neighbors and enjoyed the exercise and camaraderie it provided. On Sundays, Mike and Rose would ride bikes to the farmer’s market, where he would visit with the vendors who had become his friends, his favorite being the “pizza man” whose pie was reminiscent of the ones he loved from New Haven.

Mike’s favorite times were when he and Rose would enjoy the peace and beauty of the Sanibel sunset. He never took a sunset for granted. He photographed and gazed at each one, always hoping to capture the elusive green flash.

Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, davethomasfoundation.org, which is an organization Mike and Rose have actively supported for years. Arrangements in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida are being handled by Fred Hunter Funeral Home, fredhunters.com. A celebration of Michael’s life will be planned for this spring in Branford.