Michael J. Sterling

Michael James Sterling, 62, of Southington, peacefully finished his journey on this earth, Monday, April 6, 2026, at MidState Medical Center in Meriden, surrounded by his wife and family. There was both sorrow and peace in the room. 

A steadfast husband who walked alongside his faithful wife, Iris Sterling, through seasons of life. Michael was born, Tuesday, June 4, 1963, in Bristol, CT to the late Joseph M. and Barbara L. (Fraser) Stankoski. 

Michael graduated from Wilcox Technical High School in Meriden, CT, Class of 1981, where he trained as a machinist. After high school, he briefly worked in the machine industry before realizing he preferred being outdoors. He then began his trucking career with APA Transport, where he remained for nearly 15 years until the company closed.

Michael’s strong and tireless work ethic began early in life—he held his first job at the age of 10 as a paperboy. By 14, he was working at Kurtz Farm as a greenhouse laborer. He then went on to work for a neighborhood coal company.

He started a new career as a nurse that took him to California, but he eventually came back home. He worked in nursing homes, hospice and juvenile corrections. Working with the youth was his favorite.

Michael was an avid outdoorsman. He was never afraid to try something new, from skydiving, surfing, mud runs in CA, repelling, biking, hiking, swimming, motorcycles and weightlifting.

Michael loved the Lord and was not ashamed to tell others about Jesus. He truly enjoyed attending church services alongside his church family. We often heard him tell others, “Jesus loves you.”

Michael took great pride in any project he put his hands on, big or small, with great excellence and energy. He was willing to be of help to family, friends and especially his aging parents. He was fun, loving, annoying, caring, and generous. He loved his nieces, nephews, and grand boys and seemed to become their age when with them. He would spend hours playing Big Bad Wolf and nerf gun wars. Michael loved his family.

Michael is survived by his daughters, Jamillet Embler and husband, Andrew, and Natasha Burke and husband Jesse. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Cody Donald and Josiah Michael , and his brother, Joseph Sterling (Jeanette) all of Southington, and a sister, Elizabeth Ali (Eric) of California; nieces and nephews: Alexandria, Ramsey, Jessenia, Juliana,: Ava, Amelie, Isa, Zara. He is also survived by his uncle, John Stankoski (Brenda) of FL. In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by his sister, Catherine Mary Stankoski.

 In lieu of flowers, it was in Michael’s heart to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org). 

Calling hours will held be from 3-4:30 pm with a memorial service at 4:30 pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. To join the services virtually, please follow this link (https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a26049198460691/). For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com