Richard R. Mitera

MITERA, Richard R. Richard R. Mitera, 78, of Plainville, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday (July 19, 2009). He was the beloved husband of Jeanne Mitera, with whom he shared 53 wonderful years of love and devotion. Richard was born in New Britain on June 6, 1931, the son of the late Frank and Tillie (Rapacki) Mitera. Raised in New Britain, he attended local schools, and was a 1949 graduate of New Britain High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force shortly after, serving his country for four years during the Korean Conflict with the First Air Transport Squadron, and was honorably discharged as an Airman First Class. Upon his marriage to Jeanne in 1956, they moved to Plainville where they raised their family and have resided since. Richard served his community at great lengths through his affiliation with the Plainville Police Department as a Supernumerary for close to ten years, and serving for eight years on the Plainville Town Council, with his final term as Chairman from 1994-1995. In addition, he was a longtime board member of the Long Rivers Boy Scout Council, for which he earned the Silver Beaver and Bronze Pelican Awards. He served as a Justice of the Peace, was a member and Past President of A.A.R.P, and member of the Plainville Senior Center and the town's Commission on Aging. He enjoyed the outdoors, playing golf, or going fishing, and took great pride in his flower gardens, making early morning trips to the farmer's market an annual family tradition. Richard was a true family man, who will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In addition to his wife, Jeanne, he leaves his seven children, Richard R. Mitera, Jr. and his wife, Dawn, of Cromwell; their children Derek, Chadd, and Hillary and their grandson, Alerek; Gregory Mitera of Plainville and his son, Myles; Glenn Mitera and his wife, Barbara of Concord, NH and their children, Morgan and Mitchell; Alison Madigan and her husband, Charles of Plainville, and their daughter, Paige; Denise Prete and her husband, Timothy of Avon, and their children, T.J., Blake, Jack, and Bailey; Kristen Capozzi of Plainville, her children, Nina and Joseph, as well as her companion, Charles Zettergren and his sons; and Barbarajean Mitera of Plainville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 110 Main St., Farmington. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, Richard may be remembered with contributions to The Sister LeeAnn Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Cathryn Aron, 6287 Adventura Dr., Sarasota, FL 34241. Bailey Funeral Home, Plainville is assisting the family with arrangements. For directions and online condolences, please visit www. bailey-funeralhome.com.