Michael Anthony Villaggio

It is with heavy hearts our family announces the unexpected passing of our beloved Michael Anthony Villaggio, 45 on December 12, 2019 at his recent new home in Middletown, "V-Man" was born in Livingston, NJ on June 20,1974 to his thrilled parents Carol & Tony. He relocated to Cromwell at 6 years of age.

Michael physically leaves behind his cherished Mother, Carol Monzillo Villaggio who was his earth angel, the love of his life, wife Sandra Darling Villaggio and his son Stephen, whom he raised to become the man he is today, proud would be an understatement.

He loved whole heartedly his Aunt Diane, Uncle Frenchie, Aunt Patty & Uncle Joe, cousins Kristen, Nick, Joey & their families all from NJ. His Godfather Michael P. Villaggio formerly of NJ and his family and several cousins while having lost contact with other fraternal members. 

His adored sisters- in-law Joni & Connie Darling he beamed brightly when being called Uncle Mikey by Rachel, Joey, David, Spencer, Cameron, Nick, Arny, Kailey, Meshelle and his great niece Tatiana, special Aunt Sandra and partner in crime, cousin Tanya . Michael was born a family man!

Michael was predeceased by his hero, rock, & life guide, father Anthony Villaggio 11/15/18. He was missed terribly over the past 13 months. 

Upon arriving in heaven he was welcomed with open arms by his grandparents, 

Rose & Carmine Monzillo of the Brooklyn, NY and Dominica "Minnie" Villaggio of NJ. 

Mike shared a touching bond with his adored "Gram V".

On his wife's side he had lost Father-in-Law William Darling 52, 2/16/01, his widow

Maureen Darling Leary 68, 5/24/19. Mother In-Law Lynn Darling Paul 68, 5/13/16 & her husband John Paul 64, 2/24/17 , whom Mikey learned & mastered the art of fly fishing from, enjoying several camping trips together with his son Steve and nephews. Aunt Chris Braun 66, 4/22/16, they shared great holiday visits full of belly laughs. Brother -in -law Bill Darling 41, 4/21/11, Sister-in-Law April Darling 40 ,7/18/15 Michael would visit her daily in hospice to feed her lunch and make her smile. Priceless.

Michael was a graduate of Cromwell High School class of 1993, the year his varsity soccer team won the State Championship with Coach P. In grammar school V-Man meet his lifelong "crew" of friends/ brothers, best friend Nick Carroll, Dan Stevens, Rob Harrison, David Gere, Aaron Scinicrope, a few shared apartments together at ECSU, while earning their bachelor degrees.  Jeremy Coster joined the brotherhood at that time. Most people are considered lucky to stay in touch with a friend or 2 for from High School, these fine gentlemen are still in each other's lives daily. 

It was then at the age of 21 he met his later to be wife Sandi @ Duffy's in Cromwell where she was the general manager, quickly becoming great friends. 

Shortly after completing college Mike began his 21+ year career with ESPN, quickly moving up the corporate ladder from Master Control to becoming a "rockstar" Remote Crewer. Many of Michael’s colleagues became dear friends with a special group that will always be a part of our family. You know who you are "man". 

He was extremely grateful and proud to be a part of such a wonderful cast. Our deepest gratitude to "his" Michelle, the Jen's, Carlton, Rex, BB, Jimmy, & Donna along with the entire ESPN family, too many to list, who have gone above and beyond at this most difficult time.  The words thank you will never be enough. Nick Carroll, Stephen and gentleman, we thank you.

Mike will be remembered his golden heart, selflessness, kindness, empathy, caring nature, sense of humor, contagious laugh & million dollar smile. Everyone that knew him also knew what an animal lover he was, esp. George his constant companion, along with pal Buddy.

BREATHE…BREATHE IN THE AIR... WISH YOU WERE HERE. 

Funeral Mass will be held at St. John's Church Cromwell, Saturday December 28th at 11:00 am. The family will begin receiving at 10:30 a.m.  Burial to follow in Cromwell Hillside Cemetery West in Cromwell.  If you would like to make a donation in Mike's memory please support your local animal shelter.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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