Michael Tyler

Michael Tyler

ASHLEY FALLS, Mass. —It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Tyler, 67, at his home in Ashley Falls, on March 6, 2025. Michael sadly lost his battle with severe depression and anxiety.We will remember him with love and compassion, hoping to raise awareness for mental health support.

Michael was born on March 5, 1958, to Douglas William Tyler and Mary Colli Tyler of Canaan, where he grew up and attended Housatonic Valley Regional High School. He graduated in 1976 and briefly worked in the family business, Tyler Carpet, before going on to become a highly skilled carpenter and tile setter who was always known for his perfectionism, integrity, and the high quality of his work.

In his earlier years he built up quite a reputation for being one the best pool players in many circles and was an avid NASCAR fan.He passionately shared many hobbies with his son, Josh, including archery, ping pong, model rockets and remote control airplanes among others.Always a motorcycle enthusiast, Mike was especially proud of his Honda V65 Magna which he bought off the showroom floor in 1983 and lovingly maintained ever since; the fastest motorcycle in production at the time. His first long road trip, among many, was riding it across the country to California and back to the East coast making many friends along the way.

Michael met Ellen Morando in 1996, and the two were married in 1999, sharing many wonderful years together. With him, Michael brought into her life an extraordinary son, Joshua Tyler, his younger sister, Courtney Schutz, who Mike lovingly embraced as his daughter, and their mother, Tina Schutz, who has always been and remains part of this loving family.

Mike and Ellen built a life together in Ashley Falls full of love and support from their family and friends.Their most enjoyable times were spent relaxing on the deck with their beloved dogs and enjoying the beauty of their surroundings, namely the perennial gardens Ellen created over many years.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, Douglas and Mary Tyler, and his brothers, Anthony Tyler and Larry Tyler.

Michael is survived by his wife, Ellen, his son, Joshua and his wife, Amanda, and their beautiful baby girl, Amelia Rose, who will have many pictures and stories of how dearly her grandpa loved her; his daughter Courtney Parker and her husband Shane, a brother Stephen Tyler, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts.

He also leaves behind his very dear friend of over 50 years, Walter Allen, who has been with Mike throughout all of his good times and bad times over the years with his love and support. Also Cynthia, Walter’s wife, who came into Mike and Ellen’s lives with the same love and support which continues to this day and beyond.

The family will have a private service in the future.

In lieu of flowers, his wife Ellen, has asked that any memorial donations be made to Mike’s granddaughter, Amelia Rose Tyler’s 529 college savings plan. He can no longer be part of her present but in this way he can be part of her future.To donate please go to ugift529.com, enter code W39-X1Y, where 100% of any donation will go directly to the account or make checks payable to Joshua Tyler to be deposited into the plan, care of Kenny Funeral Home, PO BOX 12, Sharon, CT 06069.

The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.

Latest News

Dine Out for History returns with most restaurants since the pandemic

The Millerton Inn on Main Street will host the first dinner in this year's Dine Out for History series on Sunday, Jan. 18. A local history quiz including a free glass of wine will precede dinner service at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are requested.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON —Diners will once again have the opportunity to support the North East Historical Society this winter while enjoying meals at local restaurants with the return of “Dine Out for History.”

Seven restaurants across Millerton and the Town of North East will be participating in this year's event, marking the highest number since the COVID-19 Pandemic shuttered the event from 2020 to 2022.

Keep ReadingShow less
Box truck crash blocks traffic outside Millerton; no injuries reported

Millerton Fire Company crews directing traffic as they waited for a tow truck large enough to haul the wrecked box truck away from a crash site on Route 44 just south of the entrance to the Millerton Gun Club on Friday, Jan. 9.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — A crash involving a box truck and a passenger vehicle blocked traffic just outside the Village of Millerton for much of the early afternoon Friday.

North East Fire Chief Keith Roger told The News on-scene that no one was injured in the crash that occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Route 44, just south of the entrance to the Millerton Gun Club.

Keep ReadingShow less
Village to hear update on wastewater project, discuss law to recognize tree committee
Village of Millerton offices on Route 22
John Coston

MILLERTON – The Village of Millerton Board of Trustees will convene on Monday, Jan. 12, for its monthly workshop meeting, with updates expected on the village’s wastewater project, Veterans Park improvements and the formal recognition of a new tree committee.

The board is scheduled to receive an update from Erin Moore – an engineer at Tighe and Bond, an engineering and consulting firm – on the status of the village’s wastewater project. The presentation will focus on funding secured to date, as well as additional grant opportunities that may be pursued to support the long-term infrastructure effort.

Keep ReadingShow less
Local massage therapist suggests ditching resolutions, ‘slow it down’ in the new year

Aimée Davis in her Millerton massage studio at 65 Main St. Davis offers massage therapy, relationship coaching and reiki in her studio and through home visits.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — While many view the new year as a starting line for resolutions and new habits, Millerton-based massage therapist and relationship coach Aimée Davis suggests a different course — a marathon, not a sprint. She believes a slower, more embodied approach can lead to greater fulfillment than ticking boxes off a list.

“I’m more of a daily-moment person,” Davis said, explaining that she focuses on small, consistent practices rather than big, rushed goals. Practicing conscious living year-round allows her to forego new year’s resolutions. “I made one yesterday and I’ll make one tomorrow — I’m constantly tracking what’s coming up, what’s drifting and what I want to change.”

Keep ReadingShow less