RAYMOND FRANK MITUS

Gilbertville---Raymond  F.  Mitus, 68, passed away peacefully on Thursday Nov. 12th surrounded by family and friends. Ray was a lifetime resident of Gilbertville, son of Frank and Stephanie (Rucki) Mitus. He leaves his wife of 47 years, Gwendolyn (Grushey), a son Shane and his wife Katie and their four children Hannah, Timothy, William and Sophia, as well as his daughter Heidi Wojcik and her husband Craig and their five children Dane, Ivy, Noah, Hunter and Farrah, his brother Paul and his wife Ann, and many nephews and nieces. Ray attended Hardwick High School and was a graduate of Western New England College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Employed by General Accident Insurance Co., he worked as a premium auditor and continued his education earning an Associate in Premium Auditing and Risk Management from the Insurance Institute of America . As a Loss Control Specialist and manager at Worcester Insurance Co, initiating the first Lost Control Dept., Ray was awarded several awards of excellence. Active in the community, Ray served on the Hardwick Planning Committee and held elected office of Commissioner and Treasurer of the Gilbertville Water Dept. An avid musician and trumpet player, Ray was the leader of his Polka band for more than 25 years. His music and album were popular throughout New England and New York. Ray also enjoyed landscaping, gardening and traveling to Nantucket with his wife, Gwen. Ray was loved dearly and will be sadly missed. As a husband, father, family member, and friend Ray left us with many treasured memories. His love, character, and family values will continue to serve as our guide. Funeral services will be held from the Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant Street in Ware on Monday, November 16th with a Mass at 10 A.M. in St. Aloysius Church, Church Street, Gilbertville. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 5 to 7 P.M.