"It's only been 2 months, but it seems like ages ago that we lost you. But it also feels like it was just yesterday. Watched a home video from Thanksgiving last night. Laughing with Stevie, and you couldn't wait until Charlie finished grace to eat the "best turkey you had ever had" fresh from the smoker. All of us hanging out, just shooting the breeze while being pulled in the many directions required by each of our lives. All gone now. All just memories. I've been lucky enough to speak with you during dreams these past few weeks. In them, you seem to understand. I still don't. It still doesn't seem real, and I know our circle is still suffering, especially those closest to you. Appreciate any help you might offer. We miss you and we love you. Until we see you again. -Your big brother."
In loving memory of
Michael C. Connery
May 23, 1982 - December 7, 2021
Michael Christopher Connery, age 39, of Tiverton, RI, passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2021. He was the devoted father of Steven Michael Connery.
Michael was born in Newport to Sandra (Perrotti) Connery and the late Steven Charles Connery. He grew up in a loving family alongside his younger sister and older brother. Mike's early days were typical - he was active in sports, Cub Scouts, and enjoyed relationships with many friends, riding bikes together up and down Lucy Avenue as much as they could. Mike attended Fort Barton elementary, NCCRS in Portsmouth (now All Saint's STEAM Academy in Middletown), and graduated from Ocean Tides high school in Narragansett. Each step along the way, relationships were the center of Michael's world. He always looked out for the underdog and many recognized the goodness and loyalty in him. Because he was always there for others through thick and thin, he attracted many friends through his life, many of which remained in place to the day of his passing.
Into his teenage and 20-something years, anyone who knew him would tell you that if Mike was around, a good time was guaranteed to follow. Mike was a child at heart, and he had an energy about him that would elevate any moment to memorable if not exceptional. Friends will tell you that many of their wildest memories somehow involved Mike. And while these experiences were not always savory, Michael's story was one of overcoming obstacles and rising to the top.
As an adult, Mike was fantastic in the kitchen, so much so that many urged this as a career path. He was an avid fan of the Dave Matthews Band, and attended concerts when he could with large groups of friends. Mike loved all sports, and enjoyed taking in Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots games with his friends, brother, and nephews. Mike was the "fun uncle". Whether during halftime or out for ice cream as a family, Mike would reliably pull a ball and bat from his trunk and more good times ensued.
Since his birth in 2010, the most important element in Michael's life was his son. Steven showed early signs of blindness and an autism diagnosis soon followed. Despite the swirl of events in his life including the breakup of his marriage and resultant calling as a single father, Michael was always completely dedicated to his son. Steven became the underdog in Michael's life that he fought for fiercely. And because of Michael and the loving family supporting him - his mother, sister, Steven's maternal grandparents, a very tight circle of friends, his loving girlfriend Heather, and an entire network of social workers and advocates - Steven always had what he needed. The amount of love, tenderness, care, patience, and tenacity exhibited by Michael for Steven was unparalleled. Michael is already sorely missed, but his legacy remains and inspires his family to ensure Steven has the same level of care for the rest of his life.
Michael is survived by his son Steven Connery of Tiverton, his mother Sandra, his brother Luke Connery and his wife Courtney and their two sons Charles and William of Rehoboth, MA, his sister Alyssa Connery, Grandfather Gene Perrotti of Newport, and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Michael is preceded in death by his father Steven Connery.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 15 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a Trust to be setup for his son Steven Connery. Donate here: https://link.memorial/connery
Tributes
"A Young soul gone way before his time. I am happy I had the pleasure of knowing both Mike and Stevie...MAY HE FLY HIGH...Rest in Peace my friend ? "
"Richard and I send our deepest sympathies. Michael will be remembered with kind thoughts that will bring a smile to your hearts.. (Vivian )"
"It was a great privilege working with you as you cared for Steven. There is no doubt in my mind that the love and dedication you gave your son will carry him through his lifetime. "
"Mike was my brother. The amount of memories I have with him is enough to write a bestselling novel. The life we lived and shared has been an absolute blessing. This man has meant the world to not only me but my family. My son looked up to him and he treated Dill as only an uncle would, my daughter always felt happy and safe when Uncle Mike was around, and my wife respected him and loved him as much as I did. She actually cried when describing her feelings about Mike to a newly introduced Heather. Life pulled us appart for a few years and then we picked up where we left of about 8 months ago. I am so greatfull for the last 8 months we spent rekindling our friendship. Mike is a huge loss to me and my family as I have lost an irreplaceable person in my life. Friends come and go but none will compare to the friendship we have had spanning decades. I love you man"
"Mike was one of our son's (Justin Case) best friends for many years and like another son to us. We will miss his dimpled smile and big bear hugs. May you rest in peace dear Mike. Our prayers are with his family. Love, Roberta and Dave Aylsworth"
"I am deeply saddened to hear of Steven's daddy's passing. Steven's daddy is what my daughter Jacqueline called Steven's daddy. Jacqueline was in Steven's class and they rode the same school bus together for several years. Steven and his daddy both held a special placed in her heart. I had the privilege of taking Jacqueline to one of Steven's birthday parties. During the party, I was able to have a brief chat with Michael. I learned that everyday Michael stuck his head in the bus door and said good morning to Jacqueline. That explained why everyday when I asked her about her day, she always mentioned Steven's daddy! That day at the party, I saw an amazing, loving, single dad, with unshakable patience. A year and a half later, Jacqueline and I saw Steven and Steven's daddy while shopping at BJ's Wholesale Club. Michael had such a warm hello for my daughter. He remembered both of us, even though Jacqueline and Steven were no longer in the same class. Steven's daddy will always be remembered fondly and greatly missed by both myself and my daughter. He was truly a very remarkable man. I pray for peace for all of you, especially Steven and also for those whose lives have been touched by Michael. "
"My sweetheart! Your passing has left a void in my heart that will never be filled. The love that we shared was something I thought only existed in fairytales. You were supposed to be my happily ever after. Now I?m left wondering why? I know God has a beautiful plan for you. I take comfort in knowing you?re guiding me through these dark days. I can hear you saying: ? I got this baby, don?t worry? I will carry your heart in my heart forever and a day?.until we meet again my love I will miss your dimples, smile, voice, tender touch and warm embrace. I love you Michael Connery #foreverandaday ??"
"RIP to a wonderful soul! Steven was so lucky to have you, it was a pleasure working with you mike! I remember i got you hooked on iced vanilla chai ?"
"My last memory of Mike was last Sunday as he helped his mom decorate her house and interacted and played with my autistic son Johnny. Thanks Mike I will pray for you everyday. Love uncle Chris "
"Mike had an infectious smile and was an amazing, kind soul. Sending prayers for his family. I hope his legacy comforts all. "