Michael "Mickey" Maheu, 70, formerly of Tolland and most recently of Roque Bluffs, Maine, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in 1953 to the late Ernest and Rita Carbonneau Maheu, Mickey attended South Catholic High School before moving on to study at UCONN. Mickey eventually discovered his love of teaching and began his career as an elementary school teacher at Gilead Hill School. He was not only a teacher, but a lover of education, and he passed on that passion to every child fortunate enough to have been in his class. Mickey was a mentor to many student teachers over his career and not only fostered many successful educators on their career path but created lasting bonds and friendships. He was also a valuable collaborator with his colleagues and peers. Mickey was honored to be named Teacher of the Year in 2004 and was very proud of his creation of the "Green Thumbs" program at Southeast Elementary School in Mansfield, where he concluded his 33-year teaching career.

Teaching not only embodied his love of children but brought him to the love of his life, Bernadette Serignese Maheu. For the last 36 years, they built a life of love, adventure and friendship. Bernie and Mickey made friends wherever life brought them. They raised their family in Tolland along with their beloved pets, creating a beautiful home filled with loving memories with family and friends. The beautiful yard and gardens were meticulously cared for by Mickey and Bernie-one of the many activities they enjoyed together. They retired to Maine, where they made a new life in their dream house, making an additional circle of new friends and enjoying walks on the beach with their newest fur baby Enzo.

Besides his beloved wife Bernie, Mickey leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Katherine Brown and her husband, Thomas of Hebron, and Jennifer Laraia and her husband, Justin of Columbia. One of Mickey's proudest distinctions was becoming "Papa" to his seven beautiful grandchildren – Madelyn, Logan, Noah, Aidan and Evelyn Brown of Hebron and Zoey and Jaxon Laraia of Columbia. He leaves four loving siblings, Maurice Maheu and wife, Carla of Florida, Suzanne Newman, and husband Charles of Massachusetts, Lorraine Gagnon and husband, Robert of South Carolina, and Janet Maheu of Ellington, CT. He also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, sisters- and brothers-in-law, and friends.

Mickey was one of a kind, with the most generous heart and playful spirit. If you were fortunate enough to meet him, you would not easily forget him. He was one of those rare people who lived his life with the purpose of leaving people and places better than he found them. We are all better for having loved him and been loved by him.

The family would like to thank the staff at Smilow Cancer Center and the hospice nursing staff who cared for Mickey in his final days with love and dignity.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Saturday, November 4th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the University of Connecticut where a scholarship will be created for the Neag School of Education in memory of Mickey. Donations may be sent to the UConn Foundation, Inc,. Attn: Data Services, 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269-3206.