Martin D. Michalec

Martin D. Michalec, 92, of Union, CT, husband of the late Christine “Tina” (Hornacek) Michalec, passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2016. He was born on August 17, 1924 in Stafford Springs, CT, son of the late John and Suzanna (Kutka) Michalec. Martin served in the United States Army 128th AAA Gun Battalion in Europe during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. He attended numerous Army reunions and hosted reunions beginning in 1992 and as recently as 2014. Following the war, he and his brother John, formed the hydraulics and pneumatics rebuilding company John the Jackman Company, Inc., where he served as President following incorporation until his retirement. In 1948 Martin married Christine Hornacek, who passed away in July 2010. Martin was an avid outdoorsman and motorized sports enthusiast. He was a hunter and fished both fresh and salt water. He participated in the Rhode Island and Cape Cod Tuna Tournaments, having won numerous awards. He was a member of the State of Connecticut DEEP Recreational Trails Program for more than thirty years, having served as the trails motorized use advocate. Martin was a founding member of the Nipmuck Trail Riders Snowmobile Club, and a supporter of numerous outdoor recreational organizations including New England Trail Riders Association, CT Ramblers, Nutmeg Scrambles, and ATV and snowmobile watercross groups. He is survived by his son, Gary M. Michalec and wife Rosemarie, daughter, Nancy Cleary and husband Peter, grandchildren, Jason Michalec and wife Rocio, and Courtney (Cleary) Goldenberg and husband Matthew, and two great grandchildren, Nathan and Lauren Goldenberg. He was the last survivor of his 12 siblings. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2016 from 5-8 P.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. Funeral services with burial in Stafford Springs Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT, will be held privately. In lieu of donations, please perform an act of kindness in memory of Martin. For online condolences or directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com