On August 28, 2011, during Hurricane Irene, the town of Rutland, Vt., lost a long-time employee and friend, Michael Garofano. Mike, along with his son, Michael, attempted to check water-utility intake pipes near the city's reservoir during the storm and were swept away by flood waters.
Alan Shelvey, Rutland Commissioner of Public Works, said of the 30-year public works veteran: “Mike was respected by everyone here. He was the perfect person for that job. He was very zealous about anything that affected water quality. Mike was making sure the water supply was protected - he was doing what he always does to safeguard water quality."
Funeral services for Michael J. Garofano and his son Michael G. will be held Friday, September 9, 2011, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Church in Rutland.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland.
The family is intending to create a memorial fund to honor Michael and his son via the purchase of a plaque or similar item to be placed at the city reservoir.