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.
