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FAIRFIELD, Conn. Michael Joseph Brienza, formerly of Fairfield, died at his home in Simsbury, Conn., on April 17. He was 72.
He was born Aug. 20, 1939 in Mount Vernon, N.Y., to Paul and Pasqualina Brienza. He was a resident of Fairfield for many years prior to moving to Simsbury last year. Brienza was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he received bachelors of science and doctorate degrees in physics.
A lifelong inventor, Brienza was awarded 29 patents for technological innovations. After a long and distinguished career at United Technologies, he taught physics at Fairfield University for 13 years. In 2004, the university named him Teacher of the Year.
Brienza was a member of Notre Dame Church of Easton and most recently a member of St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Simsbury. He enjoyed tennis, politics and woodworking and was the proud operator of a ham radio. Brienza was also proud to serve for two terms on the Region 9 Board of Education in Redding and as a Eucharistic minister for 35 years.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Isabelle Brienza; three children, Cheryl Brienza Cook, and her husband, Brad, of Simsbury, Dr. David Brienza and his wife, Karen, of Allison Park, Pa., and Dr. Kathleen Brienza Daniele and her husband, Anthony, of Greensburg, Pa.; a brother Paul (Barbara) Brienza, of Tequesta, Fla. and 12 grandchildren.
Friends may call at Vincent Funeral Home in Simsbury on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday at Notre Dame Church of Easton. Burial will be private.
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