Obituary: J. Garry Mitchell, Former Volunteer Fire Chief

J. Garry Mitchell, 85, died Friday, Oct. 11, 2013, at Pomperaug Woods in Southbury. He was the husband of the late Shirley (Weed) Mitchell.

Mr. Mitchell was born Aug. 12, 1928, in Port Chester, NY, son of the late Joseph G. and Alice (Morseheimer) Mitchell Sr. He was a life long resident of Woodbury.

He began his 40-year plus career with the Woodbury Telephone Company as a lineman, and retired as its Chairman of the Board. He was inducted into the Telephone Association of New England Hall of Fame in September of 1996. 

In June of 1999 he received St. Teresa’s Men’s Club Christian Neighbor Award.

Very active in community affairs, he served as Fire Chief of the Woodbury Volunteer Fireman’s Association and was a member of the Woodbury Lions Club. He also served on the board of directors of Centerbank. 

In addition, he volunteered his time, talent and resources for many community initiatives, including serving on the Finance Board for the Town of Woodbury. 

He was always looking for ways to be of service to his family, friends and neighbors. He was a good friend and always someone you could count on.

He leaves his daughter, Karen Powell, and her husband, Terry, of Southbury; one granddaughter, Pamela Sarian, and her husband, Scott, of Newton, Mass.; and one great-grandson, Alexander Mitchell Sarian. He is predeceased by his sister, Ann McAllister.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 14 at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Woodbury; burial followed in New North Cemetery, Woodbury. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Woodbury Volunteer Fireman’s Association, PO Box 561, Woodbury 06798; or the Woodbury Lions Club Scholarship Fund, PO Box 314, Woodbury 06798.

This obituary was published courtesy of the Carpino Funeral Home of Southbury.