Michael Henry Lucht

Michael Henry Lucht was a true rare find. Michael Henry Lucht, of Cromwell, passed away on March 6, 2025. Born at Hartford Hospital on June 7, 1955, as the oldest child to Lorraine (Fauteux) and Werner Martin Lucht. His cheerful manor was evident early on in their full house as three additional siblings soon joined. Mike was deemed spoiled by family members as he was the only child allowed to snack before dinner. Affectionately known as the cleaner, Michael was known for cleaning not only his own but everyone else’s plate as well.

Friendships formed at Bloomfield and West Hartford school systems remained to the very end. Russell Hart, a child babysat in the Lucht Bloomfield household was unofficially adopted as child #5 for Lorraine & Werner. Michael’s easygoing manner and inspiring guitar skills allowed him to easily slide between groups in West Hartford schools. Those guitar skills were honed for 3-semesters at Berklee School of Music.

One pivotal point in Michael’s life was his first (of many) summers working at Old Orchard Beach, Maine. He befriended Paul Goudreau that first year, as they swapped pizza for Skee ball games in the arcade. Mike finally realized that Mr. Wolfe’s arcade did not have a retirement plan, so he eventually made his way back to CT.

Mike joined Pratt & Whitney, Rocky Hill facility as a composite fabricator making airplane engines. Those were fun years for Mike and his work friends, even as his keen sense of humor got him in trouble. His time as a shop steward for IAM local 7147 suited him as he ran unopposed for many years. An impressive tenure of 34 continuous years at P&W ended in 2018 as health issues forced him to retire.

Mike was a lover of many things, from live music and comedy, deep sea fishing, auto swap meets, national and international travel as well as “teenage girlfriend” (wife) Rebecca. They enjoyed skiing across the European Alps, a trip to Alaska and the vacation cruise of a lifetime to Hawaii. Mike accompanied Rebecca on work trips to San Antonio and Florida, although nothing could compare to the beaches on southern Maine and fall excursions to Cape Cod in search of seafood. As Mike’s health issues grew, their vacations and his retirement were spent close to home, even having to cancel that bucket list trip to Machu Picchu.

Mike’s expansive heart that gave so much to others, was running on borrowed time. His heart attack and triple bypass 24 years ago finally caught up to him. Recent health events weakened his body, and he died the day before a pacemaker was installed.

He leaves behind in immense grief his wife of 30 years Rebecca Austin Lucht, siblings Louise Lucht, Richard (Mila) Lucht, and Christian Lucht, in-laws of note Rosanne Tullock (MIL), Mark (Linda) Austin, Greg Austin, Brian (Marie) Tullock, nieces, nephews, and many other family members. His many work, school, and life friends were crushed by the passing of this wonderful man, a genuinely nice, sensible, funny, generous, and loyal friend. We should take comfort in knowing that his retirement years were happy; sleeping late, drinking coffee, reading the newspapers, enjoying his Jameson whisky and whatever else he pleased. The giant hole left in our hearts with only memories that remain.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 1st at 3:00 pm at The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main Street in Old Saybrook. Donations may be made in Michael’s name to The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Old Saybrook, The Palace Theater, Waterbury, The Animal Haven, North Haven or a charity of your choosing.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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