Saul G. Mines

2/27/1925 - 4/24/2022

Mystic - Saul G. Mines, 97 of Mystic, left us early Sunday morning April 24, 2022, after a short, but difficult struggle with COVID-19. Born Feb. 27, 1925, he grew up in The Bronx, N.Y., the son of Joseph and Sophie Mines, and youngest sibling to Ralph Mines, Lillian Motz and Sidney Mines, all of whom predeceased him.

Saul achieved many things during his long life. He was valedictorian of his NYC High School, and served in the U.S. Army during the toughest days of World War II arriving overseas shortly after the Normandy invasion. He courageously fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. Ultimately however, he was wounded in battle in Trier, Germany, essentially ending his military service. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Stars for his valiant efforts.

After a lengthy recovery from his war wounds, he continued his education at Columbia University where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in teaching. He worked for nearly forty years as a teacher and then administrator for Baldwin High School, N.Y. His relationships with his fellow teachers in the biology department continued throughout all their lives. Saul loved the ocean and could often be found walking the Boardwalk at Jones Beach on Long Island.

Saul would say however, that perhaps his greatest accomplishment was his three sons, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. These include Mitch (Angela) of Mystic, Roy (Ana) of Sarasota, Fla., and Scott of Huntington, N.Y.; his grandchildren are all special in their own ways: Jessica (Jeff) Mazzella, Samantha (Joe) Schildt, Benjamin Mines, Kaila Mines, Grace Mines and Spencer Mines. Saul was also fortunate enough to experience the arrival of three great-grandchildren, Vera and Nicholas Mazzella and Wyatt Schildt. Wyatt just arrived two weeks ago. The mother of Saul's children, Jewel Mines, also predeceased him, but remained in his thoughts and memories.

Saul found a special someone later in life, Fran Lane, a caring partner for over 30 years until health issues forced them apart. Final words would not be complete without mentioning others within his circle of close family members. His nephew Michael Mines was directly responsible for his care while in assisted living in New York, and in more recent times, made every effort to reach out across the miles whenever needed. His niece Carolee Schecter was a constant source of caring before she left us all too soon. His former daughter-in-law Darcy never missed an opportunity to express her love and support.

Special thanks should be given to the assisted living facilities that Saul inhabited throughout the last nine years, including the staff at Atria in Waterford, and in particula,r Academy Point in Mystic, that provided love and support that went above and beyond. As my father would say, "thank you, thank you, thank you."

Rest in peace.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday. April 29, followed by military honors at the Byles Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames Street in Groton. At the request of the family, masks are required. Donations can be made in Saul's memory to a charity of your choice. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the online register.