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Michael R. Dutra died peacefully at the Hospice of Yale New Haven Hospital with his longtime best friend and caregiver, Eric Grove, at his bedside, almost immediately after his wife Barbara left the room. Michael was the son of Sara Souza and Manuel Dutra, Jr. He was born in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara Camero Dutra, and his two beloved dogs, Shannon and Tucker. He was predeceased by his brother Arthur. He is survived by his two sisters Jane Wingate of Massachusetts and Dorothy Pimentel of Rhode Island and his sons William (Mary Ellen) Dutra and Mark Dutra and daughter Kimberly Dutra, all of New Jersey. He has a granddaughter, Dawn; two great-granddaughters, Cassandra and Priscilla; and great-grandson Mario.

Mike was a man who followed his own way. He was resolute and determined to do whatever he desired and to let nothing get in his way. He was a contractor by trade and built homes in California and Nevada, prior to moving to Connecticut. While in Nevada, he entered a rodeo and rode bucking Brahman bulls. Mike feared nothing and would try anything. He loved music and enjoyed dancing with his wife Barbara. He restored antique autos and was a close friend to the late singer and actor Sergio Franchi. Michael loved all animals, but especially the dogs that he and Barbara were blessed to call theirs. Mike was an avid hunter, but when he caught his first deer, he vowed he would never hunt again, but would photograph them instead. So then came Michael the photographer. He created a photo booth and exhibited them at local Connecticut fairs. His love of animals caused him to stop abruptly one day when he saw a midget horse tied up and standing alone in a wooded area. Mike untied the horse, asked the owner why the horse was tied up with no water, and said he was going to call the police. The owner said, “Go ahead; take the horse if you want.” And so, Pancho came home with Mike that day. Michael lived his life to the fullest and was well known for his great sense of humor.

The visiting hours will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, June 22, at the Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at noon in St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. For his online obituary, please visit www.northhavenfuneral.com.