Michael Passero, Neighbor

Michael Passero was elected to the New London City Council in November, 2009.  He was relected in November, 2011 and elected Council President in December, 2011.  He is a lifelong resident of New London and a fire fighter with the New London Fire Department since 1984. One of seven Passero children, Michael grew up on Ocean Avenue attending St. Joseph School and St. Bernard High School.   Michael loved Scouting as a boy and achieved Eagle Scout when he was 14 years old.   He graduated in 1979 from Connecticut College with a degree in English literature.  After joining the Fire Department he returned to school and earned his Masters degree in English literature in 1989 from Connecticut College.  In 1992 he earned a law degree from University of Connecticut School of Law in Hartford and was awarded a Juris Doctor Degree.   Along with his fire department service, Michael practices labor and employment law with the Law Firm of John Creane in Milford, Connecticut and is admitted to practice law before the Connecticut State courts and the United States federal courts.  He has argued cases before the Connecticut Supreme Court and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

Michael began his working career as a lifeguard at Ocean Beach and eventually rose to become Captain of the Lifeguards.  Over the years living in New London he has worked at many different occupations including construction laborer, printer’s apprentice, janitor, warehouseman, gasoline station attendant, substitute teacher, and waiter. For many summers he  was a lifeguard at Camp Harkness in Waterford, a state recreation facility for the handicap.

Throughout the years, Michael has supported organized labor and was a member of Laborers’ Union, Local 547, Teamsters Local 493 at E.B. and is currently a 28 year member of International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1522.

Michael has spent time giving back by serving on the advisory board of the James and Mary Shea Perpetual Trust, the board of directors of New London Community Boating, Chairman of the Dr. Carl Wies Scholarship Fund, the board of directors of the New London Fire Fighters Burn Foundation, the New London Democratic Town Committee and the executive committee of Thames Yacht Club.  Michael is an avid, lifelong sailor.

Michael resides in New London with his wife Mary, and two children Elizabeth and Thomas.