SHAFIR, Michael Shafir, 68 years of age, of South Windsor, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully with his family at his side early on Sunday, September 13, 2009. He was born in the former Soviet Union on May 2, 1941, son of Bella Shafir (Gitman) and Yosef Shafir. Michael came to the United States in January 1978 with his wife and three children and, with the help and support of many relatives and friends, made a new life in America. Michael will be remembered by all who knew him as strong, generous and outgoing. Although Michael was an engineer by profession, he was an avid photographer all his life, the evidence of which will always be cherished by his family. He was also a master gardener who willingly shared the fruits of his labor with friends, relatives and neighbors. He leaves behind his wife, Lilia of South Windsor; his daughter, Renata Hayes and her husband Gregory, and their children, Maiya, Kaitlin, Spencer and Zachary, of Simsbury; his son Uri Shafir and his wife Sarah, and their children, Anabella and Chloe of Durham; and his daughter Mila Shafir of Hartford. He also leaves his brother Yakov Geller and his family, of West Hartford, his beloved uncle and aunt, Peter and Sylvia Korduner of West Hartford, as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces and a wide circle of friends in the Russian community. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 12:00 noon in the Chapel at Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, followed by interment at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Michael?s name to the charity of the donor?s choice. For further information, directions or to share memories of Michael with his family, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.