Ghel (Van) Michaels

Vanghel Michaels (Van) of Fairfield, adored husband of Bia (Popescu) Michaels, passed away Friday, February 28, 2014. Born in Bridgeport, the son of the late Christa and Frances Michaels, he had been a Fairfield resident for most of his life. He was a retired salesman for Connecticut Distributors. Van was a lifelong active member of St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church. He was an avid golfer, loved playing cards, listening to country music and wintering in Florida. Above all else, his greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his cherished grandchildren. He loved sports of all kinds and never missed attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. Van had such a positive and optimistic outlook on life and loved to laugh. Whoever came into contact with him loved him. He exemplified living life to the fullest and making others lives better. Survivors in addition to his loving wife Bia include three devoted children, Jan Rissolo and her husband Alan of Fairfield, Chris Michaels and his wife Molly of Easton and Jetti McClure and her husband Chris of Fairfield; his cherished grandchildren, Ashley, Jordan, Layne, Collin, Kiley, Christopher, Bryce and Connor; his many siblings throughout the United States and several nieces and nephews. A funeral ritual will be celebrated Sunday, March 2, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. at St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church, Easton. Friends may call Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the church. If desired memorial contributions may be made to St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church, 504 Sport Hill Road, Easton, CT 06612. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com