Thomas J. Mitchell, 81, of  Watertown, passed February 26, 2014 at his home.

He was born on February 12, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY, son of George Mitchell and Henrietta Ryan. From the age of ten he resided at the St. John's Home for Boys and graduated from Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn, NY.

Following school he was drafted and served in the US Army for two years.

He graduated from the State University of New York at Oswego with a Bachelor's Degree in Teaching and was a member of the men's basketball team. He then received an Early Childhood Development Grant to attended Hofstra University, where he received his Master's Degree in Early Education.

Mr. Mitchell taught at the School for the Deaf and Blind in Long Island, in Florida and throughout New York State. In 1972, he became an elementary school teacher at Lowville Academy and Central School up until he retired in 1992.

He loved sports, was an avid NY Mets and NY Giants fan, and he was a supreme piano player who was taught by a blind man.

Among his survivors are his three sons and their wives, Vincent M. and Barbara Mitchell, Lugoff, SC, Louis J. and Amy Mitchell, Watertown, Thomas J. and Denise Mitchell, Watertown; 8 grandchildren, several great grandchildren.

A son, Anthony DiMarcantonio, and three sisters, Gloria, Dorothy and Laurane all passed before him.

There will be no calling hours or funeral service. A graveside service will be at the Brookside Cemetery in the spring.

Arrangements are with the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, Watertown.

Donations may be made to the Jefferson County Children's Home 1704 State St., Watertown, NY 13601

Online condolences may be made at hartandbrucefh.com