March 21, 1938 to February 26, 2023

Michael B. Csanadi, Jr, of Newtown, passed away unexpectedly at Danbury Hospital on February 26, 2023, at the age of 84 years young. Michael was born in Bridgeport, on March 21, 1938. He was the only son to his late parents, Michael B. and Antoinette (Spitzer) Csanadi Sr.

After his mother passed away, he was put into foster care. Eventually, he would be placed along with his younger sister in the home of his loving foster parents, Henry and Catherine Behrens of Bethel, who treated him as their own. There, he grew up on a farm and raised his beloved cow Blackie, who he still loved to talk about and show pictures of.

Michael graduated from Bethel High School in 1956 and joined the United States Marine Corps shortly after. Mike was the proudest Marine and loved his country with all of his heart. There, he earned his Rifle Sharpshooter and Pistol Marksman Badges.

Several years later, he met a young woman named Joan and fell head over heels for her. They married on August 14, 1965, and started their lives together in Newtown, where they bought their home. Together, they raised their only daughter, Chrissy. Mike was a resident of Newtown for 58 years and worked for Pepsi Cola as a vending manager, Amaral Motors as the service manager, and in semi-retirement for the Town of Newtown Parks and Recreation Department.

Mike took a lot of pride in his home, especially his beautiful lawn, which was admired by his neighborhood. He loved his neighbors and always enjoyed seeing and talking with them. They always kept a loving eye on “Mr C.” to make sure he was doing well or see if he needed help with anything. Mike also loved to draw pictures and give them to family and friends. Most recently, during his chemo treatments in the hospital, he would color and frame the pictures and give them to others to brighten their day. He was also a member of Newtown Senior Center where he loved to play pool with the boys; he was quite skilled and enjoyed it very much. He also kept busy as UConn women’s basketball’s biggest fan. He rarely missed a game, even during his treatments. He had a way of making everyone in his life feel special. Mike was always prepared with a joke or a story to make someone laugh or smile.

More than anything, Mike loved his family with his whole heart, and they meant the world to him. He was completely woven into their lives as they were in his. He went to countless sporting events as Newtown and Manhattanville College field hockey’s #1 fan. He also enjoyed spending time with them at picnics, holidays, birthdays, graduations, and more. One of his favorite traditions was to have Szalonna in the fall, a Hungarian tradition to celebrate the harvest, which he always enjoyed and looked forward to with his family.

Mike is survived by his beloved daughter, Christine Hadgraft, and her husband, Jeffrey Hadgraft, of Sandy Hook. He is also survived by his grandchildren, whom he was so proud of Amanda (Hadgraft) and Daniel Gaipa of Watertown; Michael and Shauna Hadgraft of Smithfield, N.C., and Brooke Hadgraft of Sandy Hook. He was also “G-Pa” to his two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Haley Gaipa, who brought him great joy. He is also survived by his older sister, Ann Zadroga of Sarasota, Fla., and his younger sister, Carol Brown, of Kennebunkport, Maine.

Michael was predeceased by his beautiful and loving wife of 35 years, Joan (Peck) Csanadi.

The family would like to send their heartfelt appreciation and love to the staff of 11 East at Danbury Hospital for taking such incredible care of the “Pajama Guy” during his recent battle with cancer. He loved you all so much, and we will forever be grateful for always going above and beyond for him.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 1 to 4 pm on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown. A Christian Funeral Service will follow immediately after at 4 pm. Burial will be private in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mike’s memory to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 3 International Drive, 200, Rye Brook NY 10573, lls.org; or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka KS 66675-8516, woundedwarriorproject.org.