Hector Michael Aponte

Hector Michael Aponte, of West Haven, CT, passed away unexpectedly in the evening hours of July 23, 2026. He was 43 years old.

He was born on February 5, 1983 in Bridgeport, CT to Anna Mikan and Hector M. Aponte. He graduated from Burlington High School and went to Sacred Heart University for three years.

Michael was a solar panel technician and took great pride in his work. He enjoyed watching history documentaries and following his favorite sports teams: the Yankees, Knicks, and Giants. He grew up playing football, basketball and baseball and was a great athlete. He played outside linebacker and many friends described him as being fearless.

One of his favorite things to do was spend time with his sister Jenelle and nephew Cash. He and Cash bonded over drawing, playing basketball and talking about sports together. He loved nature, music, and going to concerts. Michael was also an intellectual and an avid reader. He loved history and enjoyed learning about his Puerto Rican, Croatian and Slovenian heritage.

He was popular in school and had many friends. He was kind to everyone and had a sense of humor. He loved making people laugh, and his friends described him as a jokester. He was loving and had the most gentle, Sweetest soul. With a Big Beautiful Infectious Smile and his signature dimples, he Always remained positive Despite what he was going through!

Above all, He loved his family and spending time with them was his Favorite Pastime; It Was monumentally nourishing and powerfully heartwarming to him. He was Greatly loved and will never be forgotten!

Michael is survived by his parents: Anna Mikan and Hector M. Aponte; his sister Jenelle Aponte; his nephew Cassius Karim; his great aunt Stefani Us; his uncles: Anthony Mikan, Thomaslav Mikan, John Mikan, Frank Mikan, and Eduardo Aponte; his aunts: Helen Kali, Denise Millet, Greta Mikan, Christal Mikan, Rukki Mikan and Barbara Aponte; his cousins: Josette, Mallory, Shanda, Tommy, Mattia, Tasia, Matthew, Alex, Karina, Jason, Justin, Gina, John, Lucy, Celia, Xenia, Jason, Tony, and Ellie; as well as numerous second cousins, extended family, and friends.

He was predeceased by his grandparents: Miroslav and Maria Mikan and Hector and Antonia Aponte, his uncles Mirko Mikan, Joseph Mikan, Joe Kali, and Raymond Aponte, his aunts Liz and Pat Mikan, his cousins Nick Kali And Jason Us, along with many other great aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins.

Friends and family may gather to pay their final respects on Sunday, August 2 from 2-5pm at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. A Traditional Latin Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 3 at 11am at Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 79 Church Street, Bridgeport, CT 06608. Burial will immediately follow the service at Mt. Grove Cemetery, 2675 North Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604. After the burial, all friends and family are invited to a luncheon being held at The Original Vazzy's Restaurant, 513 Broadbridge Rd, Bridgeport, CT 06610.