Michael “Bud” Erich Schoff, 87, of North Haven departed this life on September 30, 2024. Bud was born in New Haven, CT on October 16, 1936 to Michael Schoff, Sr., and Anna (Holzmann) Schoff.

After Bud graduated from Lyman Hall High School in 1954, he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut. After college, Bud worked for General Electric as a field engineer, where one of his projects was working on the New York City subway system. He was often called in to solve machinery problems other engineers were struggling with.

During this time, he was also working in his family’s catering and event business, the Beechwood Manor Inn in North Haven, and saving money for the expansion of the business into a restaurant. He was a very devoted son and brother, providing strong support to his mother and sister throughout their lives. In 1972, with his father’s health failing, Bud left his job at GE to run the restaurant full-time. He made the restaurant a great success, in particular with his “Drinks Unlimited” promotion.

In the mid-1980s Bud decided to focus exclusively on weddings and events and changed the restaurant name to La Mirage. Through La Mirage, Bud helped thousands of area families celebrate joyful marriages, often playing the role of Master of Ceremonies, which he loved. Bud’s other passion was construction, and he spent much of his spare time on the construction site.

Bud is predeceased by his wife, Corrine (Heft) Schoff, and his sister Anna Kruse. He is survived by a loving girlfriend, two sons, and one grandson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday, October 4, 2024 at Saint Francis Cabrini Church, 57 Pond Hill Road, North Haven. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a public visitation on Thursday evening, October 3, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 South Elm Street, Wallingford. To leave a message of remembrance or for directions,  please visit www.BaileyCares.com.