MICHAEL AIKEN OBITUARY

AIKEN Michael Francis Aiken, age 64, longtime resident of Milford and beloved husband to Elizabeth Cassella Aiken, passed away on Monday, June 4, 2012 at Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford. Born in Meriden on June 26, 1947, he was the son of Norma Banyard and the late Francis Raymond Aiken. Mike served with pride and honor in the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict ( the 2/9th Field Artillery)and upon his return, received his Bachelor of Engineering degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology where he was a brother of Phi Sigma Kappa.

Prior to his retirement, Mike was a mechanical engineer for Pitney Bowes. He enjoyed boating and was a member of the Valley Yacht Club and an avid and passionate fisherman and hunter, Mike belonged to the CT Saltwater Flyrodder, the Fairfield Fish & Game Club and the Seymour Rod & Gun Club. Mike was a respected mentor and a devoted friend to all and he will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife, Elizabeth of 30 years, he is survived by his two daughters, Christy Lee Aiken and Jennifer Elizabeth Aiken both of Milford, his cherished granddaughter Dakota Elizabeth Aiken of Milford and two sisters Joanne Aiken of Meriden and Leslie Aiken of Deep River. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 7th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel's Church (meet directly at church), 26 Broadway, Milford with full military honors upon its conclusion. Committal will be private and there will be no calling hours. Arrangements are being handled by the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT 06460. The family would like to extend and express their deep appreciation and thanks to the staff of Gaylord Hospital for their compassion, care and generous support during Mike's courageous fight. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gaylord Hospital, PO Box 400, Wallingford, CT 06492 or Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven Hospital, Closer to Free Fund, PO Box 7611, New Haven, CT 06519-06611 www.codywhitefuneralservice.com