Following is the obituary for DENNIS MIKHAEL, submitted by his family.

WESTPORT – Dennis Mikhael, a Westport resident for much of his life, passed away peacefully on June 8 at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Miramar, FL, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 77. Family members describe him as a man of grit, strength, and undeniable character. 


Born on Long Island, NY, on March 5, 1948, Dennis was raised in Westport, where he graduated from Staples High School. He went on to earn a degree at the University of Arizona.

He developed a relentless work ethic and respected all types of work from manual labor to the executive boardroom. Most notably, he worked as an ironworker, riveting steel girders in the construction of the iconic Twin Towers in New York City, a job he wore like a badge of honor. Afterwards, he transitioned to the role of corporate executive, where he traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, building relationships and increasing commerce.

 No matter where he was, Dennis carried with him his sense of independence, quick wit and sharp tongue. He did not “suffer fools gladly,” according to family.

He had a passion for adventure. He played tennis, owned and rode horses, shot skeet and trap, was a deep-sea fisherman and stayed active well into his later years. He was proud of his antique clock collection and he also built, collected and won awards for his Harley-Davidson motorcycles – machines that mirrored his powerful and rebellious spirit.

Dennis called many places home over the years – Westport, Manhattan, Boston, Cape Cod and Puerto Rico, before settling in Fort Walton Beach, FL, in 2016 to be closer to his sons.

He is survived by his sons, John Peter Mikhael and Justin James Mikhael, and his longtime partner, Pamela Parrish. He leaves behind incredible stories, laughter, and a legacy of living fully – on his own terms, every single mile.

In his will, Dennis had one last request when he passed – that the world should know his final good-bye …

“I’m out of here M_ _ _ _ _ F_ _ _ _ _.”