Michael "Vio" Violano

Michael P. “Vio” Violano, 67, of West Haven passed away suddenly on October 19, 2024. Loving son to father, Michael (Nettie) of Laughlin, Nevada, and late mother, Lucy Felicello Violano. Brother to Jackie (Joseph) Morrell. Loving husband of 28 years to Cheryl Violano of West Haven, and stepchildren Stefanie Beauvais (Rob Borgwald) of East Haven, and Steven (Michelle) Harris of Orange. Uncle to Jocey (Sal) Augliera and Jolie (Donny) Froehlich of West Haven, and great-uncle to Luke Augliera. Proud grandfather (Pop) of Camryn Beauvais, Jaelyn Beauvais, and Alexandrea Harris. Vio leaves behind many aunts and uncles, cousins, beloved friends, and longtime customers.

A West Haven High and University of New Haven graduate, “Vio” was well-known in all circles. A well-respected owner for close to four decades of Vio’s Sports Plus, a place that was his pride and joy.  Anyone that walked through those doors was treated like family, because that was the Vio way. With the help of his dedicated Vios crew, Pinkie, Rob, Uncle Marty, Maria, Mr. Ken, Michael, Adam, Mark and Marcus, the store became a staple of the West Haven community.

A long-time and legendary hockey coach, “Vio” led his teams to four state titles at Notre Dame-West Haven and another at North Haven in 2003. His most cherished moments on the high school level were coaching alongside his brother-in-law Joe Morrell (assistant coach) at Notre Dame, and with stepson Steve Harris at West Haven as the team’s assistant coach. The respect in the hockey world did not end on the high school level as Coach V coached in the West Haven, Southern, and Yale youth hockey programs, as well as serving as a girls coach in the Mid-Fairfield program.

“Vio” was inducted in the West Haven Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011, starring in soccer, hockey, and baseball at the high school. An avid softball player of over 40 years, Michael continued to play in the highest of competitive leagues as one of the best pitchers in the region until the time of his passing. When not helping or coaching others, and playing softball, “Vio” was an avid supporter of the New York Yankees.

Arrangements have been entrusted to West Haven Funeral Home at the Green.  Family and friends may call WEDNESDAY October 23, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.at the funeral home.  On Thursday morning all are invited to proceed directly to St. Agnes Church, parish of Precious Blood, 400 Merwin Avenue, Woodmont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mike Vio Hockey Scholarship, c/o Joe Morrell, 34 Sorenson Rd. West Haven, CT. 06516.

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