Whitaker, Michael J.Michael John Whitaker, 65 of Stratford passed away Dec. 20 with his family by his side.He was the beloved husband of Melissa Perley Whitaker and the devoted father of Michael George Whitaker.Born in Bridgeport to the late George T. Whitaker and Margaret Mahon Whitaker O'Brien, Mike was raised in the south end. He graduated from Bassick High School, served in the Navy during the Vietnam Era, and received an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement from Housatonic Community College. Retired from the Bridgeport Police Department where he was a detective in the Youth Bureau. He also served in the department's Employee Assistance Program and taught a course on Stress Management. Michael also leaves to cherish his memory step-brother Robert O'Brien and his wife June, a special friend, Nora Maloney, granddaughter Victoria Maloney,several close cousins and a few friends of young Mike who he considered his 'adopted' kids.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18 at 11 AM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 401 Unity Road, Trumbull with the Reverend Linda Kraft officiating. Arrangements are by Colonial Funerals in Hamden.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family, who will in turn donate to several of the many veterans program that were dear to Mike's heart.The family wishes to thank the staff of Bridgeport Hospital for their great care, and the Stratford EmergencyMedical Service and the staff Of Apple Rehab in Shelton.