Michael Kilian, 75, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, at Danbury Regional Hospice, surrounded by family. He was the loving husband to Candee Paparazzo-Kilian.

Mike was born on June 26th, 1950, in Tacoma, Washington, to the late Lawrence and Margaret Kilian. He grew up in Washington state and attended Bethel High School in Spanaway, Washington, before enlisting in the United States Army. Mike proudly served his country in Vietnam.

Mike was married to Candee on May 1st, 1982. Together, they had three children and lived and raised them in Bridgewater, Connecticut. He worked for Heritage Development Group, in Southbury, CT, for 40 years before retiring.

Mike found joy in simple pleasures and the beauty of nature. He loved fishing, skiing, and was a skilled woodworker, often creating custom frames and home projects that reflected his creativity. He also loved to travel, visiting places like Bora Bora, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and countless National Parks across the United States. No matter where he went, Mike had a natural gift for connecting with people; he could strike up a conversation with anyone and leave them smiling.

At home, Mike took immense pride in his garden and the home he and Candee shared. Friends and family fondly remember his enthusiastic tours of his home and yard and his joy in hosting gatherings. In recent years, Mike and Candee could often be found enjoying leisurely drives through Connecticut or scenic rides around town in their golf cart, taking in the beauty of their town.

Left to cherish Mike's memory is his wife of 43 years, Candee Paparazzo-Kilian, his children Elysia and husband Gregory Haas and their children Kayden and Tobin, Chelsea and husband Dan Church and their children Lillian and Henry, Taylor and wife Rebeccah Kilian and their son Asa. He also leaves behind his siblings, Patricia Postma, Susan and husband Terry Dearmans, Carol and husband Vance Weed, and sister-in-law, Phylis Kilian, as well as several extended family members. Besides his parents, Mike was predeceased by his siblings, John Kilian, Richard Kilian, Eleanor Engelker, and Debbie Gonzales.  Over the years, Mike cared for many beloved dogs, including his two Iraqi veteran pups, the late Maya and Lucy.

A memorial gathering will be held on October 25th, at Bridgewater Hilltop Center, 132 Hut Hill Rd, Bridgewater, CT 06752, from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Family and friends are warmly invited to come together to share memories and each other's company in celebration of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to K9's for Warriors , Building Homes for Heroes , or the Danbury Regional Hospice . To leave an online condolence please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.