Thomas Perry Mikionis POWNAL Thomas Perry Mikionis, 53, died in comfort at his beloved home in Pownal Center on October 7, 2010 following surgery in July to correct a hepatic aortal aneurysm, a rare condition. While surgery in Boston was successful, Tom suffered subsequent liver and kidney failure.Tom wanted readers of his obituary to know that he wasn't wearing a seatbelt at the time of his death. That was Tom. He received his education at Pennsylvania State University, concentrating in architecture and graphic arts. Tom's interests, talents and energies lent him a life of avid and eclectic pursuits. They included winter camping, exploring the Canadian Rockies, hitchhiking throughout New England and beyond; crafting and refurbishing furniture and enjoying all things sports. Along with his wife of 23 years, Rowena Jessica Bart-Mikionis, Tom cared for, nurtured and loved many companion animals. He leaves his faithful husky, Scout, without whom he could not frequent the Pownal dump. Though a master bartender, mixologist, and sommelier for many years at various local establishments and restaurants, Tom's exceptional artistic talents and intelligence, along with his unique humor and wit, led him to create "Ducking Out", a cartoon strip both locally published in the Bennington Banner, Berkshire Eagle and Brattleboro Reformer and nationally syndicated by King Features in the 1990's, one of his proudest and hard-earned achievements. His daily and Sunday features would often end up on refrigerator doors. He also completed crossword puzzles regularly in ink. Tom deeply appreciated and loved many people in his short life. He leaves his sister, Karen Dipietro of Northeast, Md., brothers Ken Mikionis of Powhatan, Va. and Dave Mikionis of Brigantine, N.J.; numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews and their growing families, as well as cousins Cedric and Greg Paine of West Newton, Mass. Tom leaves many in abject sorrow and grief. FUNERAL NOTICE: Tom's memorial service will be held on Wednesday October 13 at 1 p.m. at Tom's home, 488 Center Street in Pownal officiated by H.K. Jones with scattering of his ashes over his property. In lieu of everything, Tom expressed his desire for donations made in his memory to Greylock Animal Hospital's Stray and Wildlife Fund, of which his wife and other hospital staff are volunteers. Please send donations to 1048 State Road, North Adams, MA 01267. Tom's three beloved cats were saved by this fund, as many other animals have been too. Arrangements have been entrusted to the HANSON- WALBRIDGE FUNERAL HOME in Bennington. To send personal e-mail condolences to the family, please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
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Published in Bennington Banner on Oct. 9, 2010
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