Michael L. Pantera

michael pantera

July 19, 1957 ~ August 2, 2022

Born in: New Haven, CT
Resided in: North Branford, CT

Michael L. Pantera, Ret. HPD, age 65, of North Branford, passed away suddenly August 2, 2022. He was born in New Haven on July 19, 1957. Mike is survived by his wife Janet (Toro) Pantera; daughters, Stephanie M. Pantera of Boston & Katelyn E. Pantera of North Branford; son Michael L. Pantera, Jr. of North Branford; his parents Vincent R. Pantera, Sr. & Catherine (Riccio) Pantera; brothers Paul D. Pantera and Vincent R. Pantera, Jr. & his wife Michele, all of Hamden; nieces and nephews Stephen, Matthew, Nicholas, Michael, Noelle, Lauren & Cameron; and his beloved furry friend, Chloe. Mike had been involved in his community through his work and leisure activities. Growing up in Hamden, Mike was active in multiple youth sports. He was a Tri-Captain for the Hamden High School football team and was also a member of the Hamden High School ice hockey team. He attended both Southern Connecticut State University and the University of New Haven, where he was a proud member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Mike recently retired as of July 31, 2022, after 24 years as a Policeman for the Town of Hamden. He always enjoyed reading, fitness, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
Friends may attend his funeral on Monday, August 8th at 9:00 a.m. from BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul VI Parish/Blessed Sacrament Church, 321 Circular Ave., Hamden. All may also visit with his family on Sunday, August 7th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will take place in All Saints Mausoleum, North Haven. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mike’s memory may be made to the Mike Pantera Memorial Fund.

Services

Visitation: August 7, 2022 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518

203-288-0800

Mass of Christian Burial: August 8, 2022 10:00 am

Blessed Sacrament Church
321 Circular Avenue
Hamden, CT 06514


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  1. I enjoyed talking with Mike as he walked his fur baby in the neighborhood. He was so looking forward to his retirement. He was a good man. My sincere condolences to his entire family. RIP Mike. 💔🙏🏻

  2. Janet, Stephanie, Katelyn, Michael, I am so sorry for your loss. We shared alot of great memories at the Whale when the kids were in Youth Hockey. So many times we got together and had many talks and laughs. Anthony and I are deeply sadden by Mike’s passing. I will miss him calling me mamma bear. Rest in Peace our dear friend. Pascale Family

  3. To the Panera family, we are so terribly sorry for this devastating loss. Mike was always caring asking about how my children were doing whenever I saw him. He was a dear friend to my late husband when they worked together years ago and I’m sure he was there to meet him at the gates of Heaven. May all of your wonderful memories help to get you through this difficult time. My deepest sympathy, Vicky Mills and family

  4. With sincere and heartfelt sadness My condolences to you Janet and to the entire Pantera family! May the grace of our Lord be your comfort forever.

  5. To the Pantera Family,

    Our sincere condolences to the entire Pantera
    Family. I know Mike was a wonderful husband, father, son, & friend to many. May he Rest In Peace .

    Love from ,
    The Santello Family
    Michele, Brianna & Chris

  6. I am so sorry for your loss. Went to Hamden High School with Mike. He played hockey with my brothers. Mike always had a kind word and always made time to say hi. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Deepest Sympathy 🙏

  7. God Speed to Michael, Sending Strength and Love to Family and Friends, AS we grew up together sharing sleep overs, times fishing, on the same baseball team at 9 years old, he always wanted to pitch, Thank you for the Great Memories as we certainly had them.

  8. Life isn’t fair. You were the funniest sincere sweetest person I’ve had the pleasure to know and you work with. You will be missed your family is in our prayers. RIP Kathe and Jack Wynne 🙏❤️

  9. Dear Janet
    We are so sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was a great dad and we enjoyed our year’s of traveling with the youth hockey teams and getting to know you and your family. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family and know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Sincerely,
    Mary, John and Alex Stasiuk

  10. So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I knew him from when he was a guard for the Phone Company (SNET/SBC) at 227 Church Street. I also remember that he bought an Italian Ice Cart that he kept at The Only Game in Town and went with him a few times to pick up bulk ice at Libby’s on Wooster Street.

    Even back then, must have been around 1997, he was a pleasure to associate with, a very conscientious person who went out of his way to help others.

    My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

  11. With sincere and heartfelt sadness my condolences to the entire Pantera family. I graduated with Mike at Hamden High. Besides being a great athlete, he was just an all-round nice person. He will be missed, not just by me but all of the Class of 76.

  12. I sign this with sincere and heartfelt sadness My condolences to you Janet and to the entire Pantera family! I had the absolute pleasure of knowing such a kind “gentleman” always kind, Humble and willing to help others.
    May the grace of God be your comfort.

  13. My sincere condolences to the Pantera family. Mike was taken away from all of us way too soon. May he rest in peace, and enjoy his Heavenly Home.

  14. Our hearts go out to the entire Pantera family. I have known the family since I was 7 years old. It is always so hard to lose somebody that you grew up with. Growing up in the town of Hamden doesn’t mean you have to see someone everyday to be considered a friend. Rest in peace, my friend.

  15. Sending my condolences to the Pantera Families. Michael was taken way to soon. May he rest in peace and watch over his family. 🙏🏻

  16. Paul and Pantera Family,
    We are sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family! May he REST IN PEASE!

  17. Thoughts and prayers are with the Pantera family at this most difficult time. Mike was my pledge brother forty six years ago at UNH and will be sorely missed.
    Please find some comfort in Scripture from the Second Book of Timothy……
    “I have fought the good fight”
    “I have finished my course”
    “I have kept the Faith”

    Yours in the Bond
    Tony DeCaprio

  18. Our heartfelt sorrow on Mike’s sudden passing. We simply cannot comprehend the depth of your loss.

  19. Janet,
    I am stunned by this news; words cannot describe how sorry I am for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and the entire Pantera family. You are in my prayers. May God Bless you all.

  20. To the entire Pantera family, we are all devastated by the news of Mike’s passing. He was a great friend to my brother and I, especially during our younger days playing hockey together with Vinny. He was extremely kind and gracious to our parents through out the years. Our thoughts and prayers go out all of Mike’s family. Lou and Lorraine, Lou and Bernadette, and Mark and Angela Palumbo.

  21. So many memories. I really thought as we got older we would be hanging out again as we did as kids teenagers and at times adult’s. Mike we were just talking about a reunion that you were helping get together. I guess at sometime it will go on . We will leave a seat open for you my brother. I love you my brother and will always miss you.

  22. I did not know Mike but my dad was a Hamden Police officer many years ago. I would like to send my condolences to the family.

  23. Mike welcomed us to the neighborhood with open arms. Our short time knowing him was truly a pleasure and we will sincerely miss seeing and chatting with him on his daily walks with Chloe. To Janet and the kids, our hearts are broken for you – we hope you find some peace in knowing how fond the world was of your husband and father

  24. My family and I are deeply saddened by the news of Mike’s passing. We had only moved to the Deerfield hills area a little over a year ago-Mike was one of the first friendly faces we met. We truly will miss seeing him and Chole on their walks around the neighborhood. Our deepest sympathies to everyone who loved and knew Mike.

  25. To the Pantera Family,
    I was saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. I went to school with Mike and he always had a smile for everyone. Mike was a warm, kind and compassionate man and though your loss is unimaginable, my wish is that you find warmth and comfort in the memories and love that you shared.
    Sending prayers, thoughts and sympathy,
    Susan Derbacher

  26. I cannot tell you how sad I am to hear of Mike’s passing. He helped me several times with some family troubles and whenever we ran into each other he would ask how everything was going. I knew his compassion and caring was a great part of who he was. He will be missed by everyone.

  27. Condolences to Mike’s family on their great loss. I remember when he was hired by the Town as a Police Officer. He was a very caring and compassionate person, and will be missed by many.
    Terri Gamberdella

  28. I’m so sorry to hear of Mike’s untimely death. May God through our Lord Christ Jesus bring comfort to the family.
    Rev.21:4-5
    James Sakelarakis

  29. Thank you for everything you’ve done Mike. the memories of you being there for the Trunk or Treat at our school to the fond memory my daughter has of you playing Frisbee with her at a town event is the kind man you were . You’ll be so dearly missed

    Larrow family

  30. Pantera Family,

    Prayers for Mike to rest in peace with our Lord. May the Holy Spirit comfort you these days.

  31. My heart is broken for you all. Please accept my deepest condolences. Will always remember seeing Mike at hockey and talking about our kids. He was always doing something nice for someone. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Susan Christiano

  32. “Life is eternal and love is immortal and death is only a horizon. And a horizon is nothing, save the limit of our sight. ”

    Having worked with Mike for 20 years…I will remember him fondly.
    Yours in Profoundest Grief; SDC,IV

  33. Our Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to All the Pantera Family. May the LORD BLESS YOU during this most difficult time! Mike was a Great MAN & GOOD FRIEND & OFFICER, May he Rest In Peace! 🙏✝️
    John DeRosa & Family

  34. Janet
    My deepest sympathy on the sudden loss of your husband. I am praying for strength for you and your family in this very sad time.

  35. So sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. There are no words to explain how you must be feeling. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers in this time of unimaginable grief.

    The Stewart, McGorty and Sheppard families

  36. I grew up with both Mike and Vinny from Hamden, till we all graduated from Hamden High. Just now hearing of his death. Best to his family and Brother, Brian K. Mendez


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