Obituary of John Mitchell

John Mitchell died Tuesday August 11, 2009 at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain after a short illness. John was born Jan Mieczkowski in New Britain on September 21, 1914, and lived in New Britain most of his life. He was a World War II veteran, having served for two years in Europe. He retired from Stanley Tools in 1976, after many years of service. John's passion in life was growing the tastiest tomatoes, as his wife "Ronnie" loved a good tomato. Each year he grew 60 tomato plants from seeds saved from the previous year and always tried to have a red tomato for Ronnie before Independence Day. He was also an avid bowler, loved a good game of Pinochle and was an active member of the Oaks Club. He enjoyed bringing his family to Yankee Stadium and to Sound View Beach. In his later years, John was an enthusiastic Yankee and Celtic fan. John was a loving father and grandfather and was always a pleasure to be around. John was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Veronica (Todzia) Mitchell. He leaves two sons, Roger Mitchell of North Carolina, and Jim Mieczkowski of West Hartford, their wives Andrea Mitchell and Cathy Mieczkowski, four grandchildren Todd, Scott and Timothy Mitchell and Maggie Jiang Li Mieczkowski, and four great grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Saturday at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Cross Church (corner of Farmington Ave. and Biruta St.) New Britain. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Britain. There are no calling hours. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society 538 Preston Ave. Meriden, CT 06450 The Farrell Funeral Home, 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain is in charge of arrangements. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to the people who cared for John in his later years and made it possible for him to live safely for so long in his own home. A special thank you goes out to Magdalena and Roman Haptas and Jozef and Theresa Lacki, his neighbors; Joyce at meals-on-wheels, Janet, Marie, Robin and Sam at the VNA, and his Homemaker Gloria and Jessica J, who brought him so much Joy.