Michael P. Elia, 91, a North Haven resident for 60 years, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, at Yale New Haven Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of Fredricka Ponzo Elia for 69 years. Mr. Elia, was born in New Haven on October 17, 1924; son of the late Francesco S. And Angelina Pace Elia. He worked as a quality control specialist for the U.S. Department of Defense for several years before retirement and then 9 years for Sikorsky Aircraft. He was a member of the Pine Grove Men's Club, the West Haven Italian American Club, and parishioner of St. Therese's Church. Michael served his country faithfully in the US Army during World War II, he was a member of the 1915th Service Command Unit. He attended New Haven College 1946-1947. Father of Louis F. Elia of North Haven and Michael R. (Jill) Elia of Dublin, OH. Grandfather of Allison (Ellis) Elia Wisely of Columbus, OH and Caroline Elia, Washington, DC. Brother of Adeline Boyle of Brook Park, OH. He was predeceased by sisters Jenny Milo, Katherine Adams, and Marie Coppola and five brothers, Louis, Pasquale, Stephen, Anthony, and Joseph Elia.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Thursday morning at 10:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Barnabas Church at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 9 to 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50 Memphis, TN 38101-9929.
Freddie, Louis, Michael, and the Elia family, our deepest sympathy to you during this difficult time. Mike's passing is a loss to everyone. He was a wonderful man, who always had a helping hand for all. He was like a father and grandfather to us and our kids. We have known Mike and Freddie for 38 years. We have many cherished memories of talks, parties, and picnics we had with Mike that we will carry with us always,as I know you do as well. May you all share those happy memories of him together to ease the heavy heartache you are now feeling. Always remember his welcoming smile and big heart. He will be missed. Take comfort that Mike is in the arms of Our Lord. Mike will be your guardian angel watching over all of you forever. Love Frank, Irene, Frankie, and Marty Blee
Freddie, Louis and Mike,
What memories we have. He was known to me as Uncle Mike.
He will be missed by all the frost drive families that grew up on the street.
My sister and I would drive him crazy but we were the girls he never had.
He stands beside our parents and watches over all of us.
We love and miss him
Terry
Our condolences.
I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Elia and will cherish the conversations and moments, he was a gentlemen and I always looked forward to seeing him. My condolences to the family.