Tomas Michell

Tomas (Mitch) Michell peacefully passed away on November 30, 2017 at the age of 92. Tomas was born on November 8, 1925, in Iuka, Mississippi, to the late Lillian (Walker) Mitchell and Anriel Mitchell. The older of two, he was predeceased by his sister Frances. Tomas' family migrated to Cincinnati, Ohio, when he was nine years old. Tomas joined the US Navy at age 19 and fought in World War II in the North Atlantic Theater.

After honorable discharge from the Navy, Tomas settled in Brooklyn, New York, where he met his wife Elizabeth Boyd on a blind date. They were married at Holy Rosary Catholic Church and were inseparable for over sixty years. From this union came two children, Antonio (Tony) and Schelley.

Tomas was known for his devotion to his faith and his family. He raised his children in the Catholic Church and lived his life true to the teachings of the church. He demonstrated commitment to his community and church with numerous volunteer activities including many years with the NYPD Auxiliary while living in Brooklyn. He was quite the handyman repairing almost anything that needed to be fixed.
Tomas was a hardworking man who only wanted the best for his family. He spent his working career as a typesetter for Lincoln Letter, in New York City and Long Island. He decided to legally change his first name, Thomas to Tomas, and his last name Mitchell to Michell to better his chances of employment during a time of heightened discrimination.

Tomas was very proud of his children and made many sacrifices to ensure that they had a comfortable, loving home and the best education he could afford. While he did not have a higher education degree, he understood its importance for his children and expected them to excel academically and pursue higher education. He often worked extra hours and did side jobs to accomplish this.
Tomas was a highly competitive bowler during his years in Brooklyn. He boasted League championships and high bowling averages, with many championship trophies and plaques on his Union 65 team for over 20 years. He enjoyed horseback riding, skiing, swimming and baseball. His son's friends from Nativity grammar school often mention the fun they had at the Mets baseball games he took them to.


Tomas exhibited a quiet strength and had many friends with which he and Elizabeth traveled and socialized regularly. Tomas was also known for his enjoyment of Off Track Betting (OTB). After moving to Ithaca in 2005, his son-in-law Fe and good friend Roger would take Tomas to the nearby racetrack for his enjoyment and spend time boating with him on Lake Cayuga. Tomas cherished those days.

Tomas is survived by his son Antonio Michell, MD FACS, and daughter-in-law Carolyn of Silver Spring, Maryland; daughter Schelley Michell-Nunn and son-in-law Alan (Fe) Nunn of Ithaca, NY; his grandchildren, Antonio Michell II (Knaee), Ashlee Marks (Jason) , Dr. Nia Nunn, Mikhil Fajhir Nunn, Cara Michell, Eisah Nunn, and Alex Michell; great-grandchildren, Eamon, Rohan, Lochlan and Riley. His sister-in-law Charlotte Boyd of Queens, NY, and brother-in-law Henry Boyd of Brooklyn, NY; and many family members, nieces and nephews also survive him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Augustine Chumo on Saturday, December 09, 2017 at 11 am at the Immaculate Conception Church. The family will receive friends in the church prior to the mass beginning at 10 am. Burial with military honors will be held at the Calvary Cemetery. Donations in Tomas' memory may be directed to the Alzheimer's Assoc. of CNY, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204.

Saturday, December 09, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Church 113 N. Geneva St. Ithaca, NY 14850

Saturday, December 09, 2017 11:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Church 113 N. Geneva St. Ithaca, NY 14850