Honor Allen T. Mitchell

Senate Resolution No. 2247 BY: Senator HARCKHAM MOURNING the death of Allen T. Mitchell, respected civic leader and dedicated public servant WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to individuals of remarkable character whose purposeful lives and distinguished service to their communities and the State of New York merit the highest commendation; and WHEREAS, Allen T. Michell, a beloved lifelong resident of Brewster, New York, whose extraordinary commitment to public service, youth mentorship, faith, and community left an enduring legacy throughout Putnam County and beyond, died on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the age of 94; and WHEREAS, Allen T. Michell was born on November 11, 1931, in Brewster, New York, the son of the late Joseph Jr. and Adeline (Owens) Michell; he graduated from Garden Street School in 1949; and WHEREAS, Shortly after graduation, on a blind date, Allen met the love of his life, Helen Rapp; the couple were united in marriage on June

29, 1957, and together shared a devoted and loving union for 68 years; and WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Brewster, Allen T. Michell dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the betterment of his community through decades of civic involvement, volunteerism, and compassionate leadership; and WHEREAS, Allen T. Michell was a proud life member of the Brewster Fire Department, serving his community faithfully for 73 years; during his years of active service, he served as dispatcher and as Captain of the Brewster Fire Department Rescue Squad, earning the admiration and respect of fellow firefighters throughout Putnam County; and WHEREAS, At his funeral service held at the First United Methodist Church in Brewster and his interment at Milltown Rural Cemetery in Southeast, dozens of firefighters from across Putnam County gathered to honor his memory and recognize his exceptional lifetime of service; and WHEREAS, Allen T. Michell also devoted more than 50 years to the Brewster Little League as an umpire, coach, manager, and member of the Board of Directors; his tireless dedication included raking countless infields and treating his teams to chocolate chip cookies and soda after every game, acts of kindness fondly remembered by generations of players and families; and WHEREAS, In recognition of his decades of dedication to youth athletics and mentorship, the community proudly designated "Allen Michell Day" in honor of his 40th year of service to Brewster Little League; and WHEREAS, Allen T. Michell further served his community as a board member and president of Milltown Rural Cemetery, contributing his leadership and stewardship to preserving the dignity and heritage of the community he cherished so deeply; and WHEREAS, A devoted man of faith, Allen T. Michell was a life member of the First United Methodist Church in Brewster, where he began attending Sunday School at the age of three and went on to serve faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, trustee, administrative board member, head usher, and youth group leader; and WHEREAS, Allen T. Michell was an enthusiastic supporter of local athletics and professional sports alike, faithfully cheering for the New York Yankees, New York Giants, and the University of Connecticut women's basketball team, while also enthusiastically supporting Brewster girls' lacrosse, field hockey, softball, and varsity football, for which he was honored as honorary captain; and WHEREAS, Allen T. Michell's life was defined by generosity, humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to others; he inspired countless young people through his guidance, encouragement, and example, and his influence will continue to resonate throughout the Brewster community for generations to come; and WHEREAS, In addition to his beloved wife, Helen, Allen T. Michell is survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as his devoted neighbors and adopted family, Ally and Joe Mazzella and their children, Lillian and Madison; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Allen T. Mitchell leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Allen T. Michell, longtime Brewster resident and cherished community leader, and to express its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Allen T. Michell.