Michael Jon Polli, known to most as "Mickey," passed away in Lebanon, N.H., on August 7, 2025. He was 77 years old.
Michael was born on July 2, 1948, in Hanover, N.H., to Vincent and Doris (Leani) Polli and lived his entire life in Bradford, Vt. After graduating from Bradford Academy in 1966, Michael attended Plymouth State College, graduating in 1970 with a math degree. In October of 1971 he married Sarah (Williams) Polli of East Corinth, Vt.; they had a son, Jamie, who lives in Williston, Vt.
In 1970 he went to work for HaleCo, working at both Hale Furniture and Hale Funeral Home. He later purchased the business together with his brother David and in 1986 opened an additional funeral home in Thetford Center, Vt. He was also associated with the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home of Barre, Vt., until its sale in 2022. His dedication to the funeral business comforted many families from the area as they navigated difficult end-of-life moments. From 1984 to 1988, he and David owned and operated the Garden Restaurant and Lounge, also in Bradford.
Mickey had a lifelong passion for cooking, hosting hundreds of dinner parties where he prepared and shared meals with countless friends. His kitchen was always open, and he was ready to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary or any old occasion. He hosted many a family gathering at holidays, which brought family from afar to his home. For many years he traveled with friends during the winter months to St. Maarten and Florida, always a smile on his face and a stack of red polo shirts in his suitcase.
Mickey is predeceased by his father, Vincent Polli; his mother, Doris Polli; and his stepmother, Joanne Polli. Mickey is survived by his son, Jamie; his ex-wife Sarah Polli of East Corinth; his ex-wife Dawn Polli of Palm Beach, Fla., and Dawn's two daughters, Heather Engle and Lesley Cannon; his brother Edward Polli and wife Elizabeth of Yarmouth Port, Mass.; and his brother David Polli and wife Jill of Hanover, N.H. In addition, he is survived by his niece, Eliza Polli, and her family of Hanover, N.H.; his nephew, Christian Polli, of New York, N.Y.; and his two beloved granddaughters, Celia Polli and Shayla Polli. He also leaves stepsiblings Jeff Jalowiecki, Dorian Jalowiecki and Lauren Andrews and husband "Guy."
There will be a service at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Bradford, Vt., on Saturday, August 23, at 11 a.m., and a celebration of Mickey's life at his home at 175 Upper Plain, Bradford, Vt., to follow, where all are welcome. Donations in Mickey's name can be made to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care, 154 Hitchcock Loop Road, Lebanon, N.H. 03756.
The immediate family would like to thank all the family and friends who visited with Mickey during the past 14 months as he navigated his cancer diagnosis. Their love for him kept him in good spirits, well fed and playing dominoes every day. A special thanks goes out to his "best friend," Jane Brown of Bradford, Vt., for her genuine love and support.