Michael John Kranyak Jr.

Michael John Kranyak Jr

10/10/1940-6/30/2026

Michael John Kranyak Jr of Shelton, formerly of Stratford, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Bishop Wicke Health Center on June 30, 2026. Born in Bridgeport on October 10, 1940, Mike had been an area resident all his life. He grew up on the “East Side” of Bridgeport prior to moving with his parents and siblings to the Devon section of Milford when he was 12 years old. Mike graduated from Milford High School, Class of 1958. Following his graduation, he attended New Haven State Teachers College (now Southern CT) but decided rather to serve his country by joining the United States Army in 1960. Following his basic training at Fort Devens, MA, he was stationed in Panama (“the Canal Zone”) for approximately 3 years where he worked with the Army Security Agency.

After being Honorably Discharged from the Army in 1963, Mike attended and graduated from American Academy McAllister Institute in New York City, becoming a Funeral Director/Embalmer in 1965. Mike worked in this role for over 50 years for various funeral homes in the Bridgeport area, earning the nickname “Digger”.

Another role Mike had, of which he was very proud, was that of Bridgeport Police Officer for over 20 years, retiring in 1999. Mike worked in Patrol, Booking, Detective with the Youth Bureau, and retired at the rank of Sergent. He continued to honor those that went before him by placing “In Memoriam” flags on their graves around Memorial Day every year.

Mike was an active member of the Stratford United Methodist Church since the late 1980’s, served as Head Usher for many years, and was also a member of several church committees.

Mike was a very sentimental guy, and loved collecting antiques, coins, post cards, stamps, and City of Bridgeport memorabilia, especially that of P.T. Barnum. A genealogy buff, Mike was the curator of the family tree, and could name every family member in old photos, going back generations. Mike was a “Life” Member of the Freemasons, Corinthian Lodge. He loved maintaining his lawn, growing fresh vegetables in his garden all summer long, a good cigar, a gin martini, watching Jeopardy, doing New York Times Crosswords (in pen!!), “just taking a drive”, and day trips to the Casino. He will be greatly missed by so many loved ones.

Mike was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary (Wright) Kranyak, in 2021. He is survived by his daughter Connie Demko and son-in-law Jim. He was the proud Poppie to his grandsons James Michael and Michael John, both given his name so he is with them always. Prior to his stroke in August of 2025, Mike lived with Connie and her family at their home in Shelton; those nine months were a precious time she and her family will forever be grateful that they had with him.

Mike is also survived by his sister (and best friend) Nancy Barnick of Milford, brothers Jack Kranyak of New Haven, Jim Kranyak of Milford, sister-in-law Beverly Kranyak of Milford, brother-in-law Frank Wright of Cape Neddick, ME, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to Mary, Mike was predeceased by his parents Michael Sr and Adele (Staciokas) Kranyak, brother Charles (“Chick”) Kranyak, brother-in-law Chet Barnick, father-in-law Frank Wright Sr, mother-in-law Virgina (Ruggles) Wright, and brother-in-law Timothy Wright.

Mike’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to his caretakers at Bishop Wicke Health Center, especially CNA Marise (who always made sure his face was clean shaven and his belly was full), Nurses Nella and Gail, Social Worker Paige, and other staff too numerous to mention. Your patience, hard work, support and kindness will never be forgotten.

Friends may greet the family on Friday July 10, 2026 starting at 10:30am at the Stratford United Methodist Church, 2600 Main St, Stratford, with a service at 11:30am. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 315 Buckingham Ave, Milford. Dennis & D’Arcy -Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s memory to the Stratford United Methodist Church, Guiding Eyes for the Blind (guidingeyes.org), or the charity of your choice.

To offer online condolences please visit www.

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