Torrington—Michael Anthony Kelmelis, 76 of Torrington passed away peacefully on Saturday April 18, 2020. Michael was born October 20, 1943 in Winsted Ct. to the late Stanley and Mary (Tarter) Kelmelis.
Michael was raised in Goshen Ct, with his large family and attended Oliver Wolcott High School, where he graduated from Carpentry. Michael then left June of 1962 to serve in the U.S. Navel Mobile Construction Battalion Nine in Vietnam. During his service from 1962-1968 Michael received one of the Nation’s oldest military medals The Purple Heart for wounds he received on October 28, 1965 from Viet Cong mortar and machine gun attack toward the Battalion. Michael also received the Vietnam Service Medal and Navy Good Conduct Medal.
Michael returned home and began working at the Torrington Company for several years but then started working with the Hitchcock Chair Company where he was able to continue his love with carpentry. Michael finished his love of Carpentry at Desjardin’s woodworking before his retirement.
Michael was Kind, Selfless never complained about anything, always whistling, and singing with a smile on his face as he loved listing to his rock & roll. He was adored by everyone and will be sorely missed.
Michael is survived by his beloved daughter Michelle and her Husband Jay Perregaux, Grand Children, Lydia Carlson, Russell & RaeLynn Perregaux, Alyssa and Husband Wes Foster, Great Granddaughter Rylee Foster.
Survived by Siblings-Sisters Marva and husband John (Jack) Leifert, Mimmi and husband Joe Grustas, Kathleen Kelmelis, Martha (Mort) and her husband Peter Ryan. Brother Patrick Kelmelis and his wife Maryann, Several Nieces & Nephews.
Predeceased by Brothers Paul (Skip) Tarter, Stanley (Stosh) Kelmelis, Sisters Jane Dagenais, Patricia (Tisha) Shuster, Barbara Dreger and Anna Kelmelis.
A Memorial Service with full Military Honors will be at the State of Connecticut Veteran’s Cemetery located at Bow Lane Middletown, Ct. at the convenience of the family.
In Lieu of Flowers, donations in Michael’s name can be made to The Civitan Club Flag Fund PO Box 32 Torrington, Ct 06790
For more information or to send comforting condolences please visit www.phalenfuneral.com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Michael Anthony Kelmelis, please visit our floral store.