Michael Joseph Bakunis

Michael Joseph Bakunis, 73, of Harwinton, passed away on Wednesday, January 6th, 2016, at Litchfield Woods, after a lengthy illness. His wife, sister, and some dear friends were present. He was the husband of Michelene “Mitzi” Mikalunas Bakunis.

Michael was born in Torrington on October 9th, 1942. He was the son of the late Michael “Red” Bakunis and Vera Alfano Bakunis. He attended St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School and Torrington High School where he was co-captain of the football team. He earned his B.A. in history from Central Connecticut State University, thereafter completing the required education credits, also at CCSU. Mike gave service to his country by joining the Connecticut National Guard. Michael taught history, civics, and economics for 28 years at Oliver Wolcott Regional Vocational-Technical High School. He read avidly about history and often interjected entertaining anecdotes in class to enhance his students’ learning and to hold their interest. A number of yearbooks were dedicated to this popular and highly respected teacher. Furthermore, Michael was voted “Teacher of the Year” by his teaching peers. After retirement, Michael continued his enthusiasm for his career teaching Adult Education at Thomaston High School through Education Connection of Litchfield. In addition to teaching, he served as Administrator for Adult Education also in Thomaston. Later he went on to establish ESL classes for immigrants in various work sites around Litchfield County working through the fall, 2013 semester when his illness worsened.

Pursuing another passion of his, Mike coached the Torrington Midget Football team for a number of years. In later years, Mike joined Mike Conway of Torrington in cohosting a Channel 5 Cablevision show as announcers for the Naugatuck Valley League and the Berkshire League football and basketball games. When Mike wasn’t working he enthusiastically engaged in his long time fascination with fire trucks and rescue apparatus. He photographed thousands of these first responder vehicles. As a longtime member of SPAAMFA, Mike attended numerous conventions where these “firebuffs” immersed themselves in sharing information and visiting fire departments throughout the U.S. Some of his photos can be seen at Torrington’s Fire Department Headquarters. Early in his retirement Mike briefly sold American LaFrance Firetrucks for Freightliner of East Hartford, too. Being of man of many and varied interests, Mike enjoyed attending the opera with his wife, initially subscribing to the Bushnell Opera Series for many years; and, later, they were among the founders of the Warner Theatre Opera Guild.

Michael is survived by his wife, Mitzi, his sister Mary Beth Bakunis, cousins Janice and her husband, Rich Boulli; Mary Jane and her husband, Heinz Beier; cousins Alan Bakunis and Susan, numerous other cousins, his sister-in-law Sherry Capobianco and brother-in-law Paul Capobianco, one niece, two nephews, one great nephew and two great nieces along with a beloved goddaughter, Kyla Fox Harol and a beloved godson, Richard J. Curtiss.

A celebration of Michael's life will be held on Friday, April 8, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 9, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Torrington.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to FASNY Museum of Firefighting, 117 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson, NY 12534, the Warner Theatre Opera Guild in Torrington, Connecticut, or the American Cancer Society.