Michael Joseph King

October 29, 2021

Michael Joseph King, 63 of West Hartford, unexpectedly passed away Friday October 29th. Michael was a blessing to his family, a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to all. He lived his life to the absolute fullest of his potential and will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. Born February 27, 1958 in Dorchester, MA to Francis and Claire (Shanahan) King, second of their six children, Michael was an enthusiastic student in the West Hartford Public Schools’ Special Education Program and a proud graduate of Conard High School class of 1979. He was a Special Olympics athlete for over 50 years competing in swimming, diving, basketball, softball, volleyball, skiing, sailing, bowling, track & field and golf; winning more medals than can be counted. In 1991 Michael was selected to participate in the International Special Olympics in Minneapolis where he was awarded the Silver medal in diving. He was an avid New England sports fan rooting for all our region’s teams - especially the Red Sox, the Patriots and the UConn basketball teams. In 1994 Michael was awarded the Connecticut Special Olympics McDonald’s Spirit of Life Award, and in 1995 he was recognized as the Most Accomplished Individual from the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress. Throughout his life he was active in many organizations and activities including the Cub Scouts, HiPals, Camp Harkness, the Knights of Columbus, and the Elmwood Community Center. Until his passing, Michael was a devoted communicant of and choir member at St. Thomas Apostle Catholic Church. For 30 years, Michael worked at CIGNA in Shipping & Receiving. After his retirement Michael participated in HARC programs. His family expresses its deepest gratitude to the HARC staff that supported Michael’s independent life. To Michael, they were an extension of his family. Michael was preceded in death by his father Francis King and leaves behind his dear mother Claire and his siblings Frank (Debbie), Stephen, Karen (Dana Pound), Diane, Melinda Belsham (Eric). He was a loving uncle to Diana, Frank, Kristina, Melissa, Elizabeth, Samantha, Marisa, Alex and Andrew. A wake will be held at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06107 Wednesday November 3rd from 5:00-7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Thursday November 4th at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 872 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06119, followed by a burial at Fairview Cemetery. To honor Michael, Red Sox, Patriots or UConn attire is encouraged at both services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael’s memory to HARC 900 Asylum Ave, Hartford CT 06105 www.harc-ct.org/donatenow or Special Olympic West Hartford PO Box 27131 West Hartford CT (Checks made payable to SOWH).