Donald G. Mitchell of North Haven, CT, passed away on March 5, 2023, with his loving family by his side. Beloved husband to the late Mary Ann K. (Worzniak) Mitchell, loving father to Tracy Mitchell, of Madison, CT., and Gregg Mitchell (Steven Kirkby) of Sudbury, MA. and four loving grandchildren, who brought him much pleasure, Tessa and Christian Amato of Madison, CT and twins Joshua and Caleb Mitchell of Sudbury, MA. Don was born in New Haven to Rose (Bertrand) and Raymond Mitchell. He attended Hamden Schools and later graduated from New Haven State Teachers College in 1957 and received a master’s degree in 1961. He taught in the North Haven schools until he was awarded a position as a principal of Griffin School in Watertown, CT where he served 25 years before retiring. He leaves a brother Marshall (Carol) of Hamden, CT and a sister Nancy of Titusville, FL and sister-in-law Eleanor Tetreault of Wallingford, CT along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister Dorothy Moulter, and brothers Robert, Al, and Raymond. He and his wife celebrated 63 years of marriage. Both loved to travel to many parts of the world and all through North America. They spent the winter months on the island of Barbados in the Caribbean. He served in the army during the Korean War and was a member of the Meriden Amateur radio club and the SCSU Alumni Association. He was also a docent at the Peabody Museum for many years.
His funeral procession will leave The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue on Monday morning, March 20th at 10:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church/St. Paul VI Parish, Hamden at 11:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Sunday, March 19th from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the funeral home. It was his wish that any memorial gifts be donated to the Donald G. and Mary Ann K. Mitchell Scholarship Fund at Southern CT State University, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515.
He was a great guy. I loved listening to his stories. So sorry for your loss.
My sincerest condolences to Don’s family. I had Don on three separate school years when he was teaching in North Haven, first in elementary school in Montowese. then when he moved on to the Junior High. I always enjoyed his teaching style even though my grades didn’t show it. We got to be good friends when I got older. You could always tell when Don was walking in the halls, you could here the taps on his shoes when he was walking. May he Rest in Peace.
I have only known Don KE1AY for 5 years through the Meriden Amateur Radio Club. Don was in charge of our new amateur radio operator FCC licensing program. Thanks to his efforts almost 100 new amateur radio operators were licensed. He was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed by the entire Club. I have been enriched by being his friend as has our Club.
Rest in peace my friend. See you down the log.
73,
Ed W1YSM
President W1NRG
Meriden Amateur Radio Club
I taught with Don for only a few years, but learned so much in that time. He was kind, gentle but firm when it was called for in the classroom. My teaching experiences were enhanced because of Don. We haven’t kept in close touch, but living on the same street we have hit the horn to greet one another frequently. A fine man. . . .