Michael Erik Lemley, 52, of Old Saybrook, formerly of Middletown, died on Thursday afternoon, August 31, 2023, at Yale Hospital's Surgical Critical Intensive Care Unit surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 26, 1971 in Middletown, the son of Mary Ellen Mulligan of Old Saybrook and Earl Lemley of Bristol.  Michael attended Xavier and Middletown High Schools. Michael was a laborer with Local 478 for 17 years.  He most recently worked at Center Earth in North Haven. Michael was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting and boating.  He also had a love for football and NASCAR and spending time with family and friends.

He had a heart of gold and would never hesitate to lend someone a helping hand.

In addition to his parents, Michael is survived by his daughter, Calista Dills of Durham; his biological daughter, Carrie Comer (Eric) and her children Jackson, Natalie and Brady, all of Luray, Virginia; his sisters, Kristen Lemley Roberts and Sharyn Lemley, both of Old Saybrook, his step-siblings, Danny Roy and Debbie Zakrewski, both of Bristol; his aunts and uncles, Stanley and Maryellen Halibozek of West Hartford; Bill and Ann Halibozek of Cromwell; Peter and Lorraine Halibozek of Kensington; Major (Ret.) Philip Halibozek (Matt Sweeney) of Wilton Manors, Florida; and his great aunt, Violet Atkinson.  He also leaves behind his significant other, Jordan Ripley of Torrington, in addition to his nieces, nephews and many cousins.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Stanley and Anne (Otfinoski) Halibozek and paternal grandparents, Dr. Eric and Lucy (Fiducia) Lowry and Cpl. Earl M. Lemley. He was also predeceased by his stepfather, Lt. Col. John Mulligan, and his stepmother, Marsha Lemley, in addition to his infant first cousins, Derek and Garet Halibozek.

Michael's family would like to express its appreciation to the doctors at Middlesex Hospital who responded quickly to transport him to Yale New Haven Hospital and the doctors and nurses at Yale's Surgical CIC Unit for the care and compassion they gave to Michael and his entire family during their most difficult four weeks.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown, followed by a Funeral Mass on Friday, September 8, 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Czestochowa, 79 South Main Street, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Middlesex United Way, 100 Riverview Center, Suite 230, Middletown, CT 06457. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.