The Worcester District Registry of Deeds is mourning the passing of former Assistant Register of Deeds John J. Mitchell, who passed away on July 2, 2012.
Mr. Mitchell was born in Clinton to the late John J. and Kathryn (McDonald) Mitchell. He was a graduate of the Clinton High School Class of 1950 and College of the Holy Cross Class of 1954. Following studies, he enlisted to proudly serve our nation in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return home, he completed studies at Boston College Law School and graduated as President of his Class of 1959. Mr. Mitchell was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar Association in 1959 and served in various capacities throughout his prestigious career, including his position as sole practitioner for more than 40 years with offices in Worcester at McGuire & McGuire and at 248 Chestnut Street, Clinton. He served as Town Counsel for the Town of Clinton, Chief Worcester County Public Defender, and Assistant Register of Deeds for Worcester County for 28 years, retiring in 2000.
Mr. Mitchell's numerous civic involvements include positions as past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Worcester State College, Quinsigamond Community College, President of Clinton Rotary Club, Corporator of Clinton Savings Bank and with the Town of Clinton Finance Committee. Mr. Mitchell held professional membership with several Bar Associations including Massachusetts, Clinton, American and Worcester County, from where he served as Past President and was recently recognized for 50 year membership. In 2003 he became the proud recipient of the Distinguished Attorney Award from the St. Thomas Moore Society of Catholic Lawyers. He was a member and former lector of St. John the Evangelist Church in Clinton where he served as Judge Advocate for the Clinton Council Knights of Columbus. John was a devoted fan and season ticket holder of Holy Cross Crusader football and basketball teams. He was proud of his Irish Heritage and frequently traveled to Ireland with friends to study social and cultural history. He enjoyed summers at his Falmouth home reading and relaxing but most cherished time spent in the company of his loving family.
Funeral services are to be held on Friday, July 6, 2012 from the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10AM in St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union St., Clinton. Burial is to follow in St. John Cemetery, Lancaster. Calling hours will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, July 5, 2012 from 4 until 7PM.
Mr. Mitchell's numerous civic involvements include positions as past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Worcester State College, Quinsigamond Community College, President of Clinton Rotary Club, Corporator of Clinton Savings Bank and with the Town of Clinton Finance Committee. Mr. Mitchell held professional membership with several Bar Associations including Massachusetts, Clinton, American and Worcester County, from where he served as Past President and was recently recognized for 50 year membership. In 2003 he became the proud recipient of the Distinguished Attorney Award from the St. Thomas Moore Society of Catholic Lawyers. He was a member and former lector of St. John the Evangelist Church in Clinton where he served as Judge Advocate for the Clinton Council Knights of Columbus. John was a devoted fan and season ticket holder of Holy Cross Crusader football and basketball teams. He was proud of his Irish Heritage and frequently traveled to Ireland with friends to study social and cultural history. He enjoyed summers at his Falmouth home reading and relaxing but most cherished time spent in the company of his loving family.
