Michael F. Papa, Sr., 91, of North Haven passed away peacefully on Dec. 11 at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford. He was the husband of and now reunited with the late Carmel M. DeMatteo Papa. Michael was born in North Haven on March 19, 1923, son of the late Nicola and Fannie DeLucia Papa.

He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local #478 and worked as a heavy equipment and crane operator for many area companies, including DeFelice, Frione, and Velleca Construction Companies. Michael also worked as a bus driver for the former Nutile Bus Company until his retirement. He was one of the oldest members of the Montowese Volunteer Fire Association and was selected North Haven Citizen “Person of the Week.”

He was the father of Jacqueline (Gordon) Stokes, Theresa (John) Garbero, Phyllis (Billy O.) Papa, Maria “Chicky” Papa, Cathy (Stephen) Wilchynski, and Michael F. Papa, Jr. He was the brother of Anthony (Dorothy) Papa, Marie (Pasquale) Criscio, Theresa (Chris) Coppola, and the late Nick and Evelyn Papa. He was the grandfather of Michael (Stacey) Stokes, Melissa and David Goduti, Jr., Anthony and John Garbero, Jr., and Stephanie and Jessica Wilchynski. He was the great-grandfather of Christopher Stokes. The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Michael’s home caregivers for the excellent care and comfort.

His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Ave., Dec. 13 at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Therese Church at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow in the All Saints Mausoleum. The visiting hours will be Dec. 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Hospice, Inc., 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405. For an online obituary, please visit www.northhavenfuneral.com.