Mitchell G Monette

Mitchell “Mitch” Monette of Draper Ave., Plattsburgh New York passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 11, 2021. He was born in Winooksi, Vt., on June 15, 1939, to Mitchell and Rosalie Monette. He grew up in Plattsburgh, attending Catholic grade school, graduating from Mount Assumption High School. He became a member of the OLV Boy Scout Troop, eventually achieving the Eagle Scout Award.
He graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a degree in Elementary Education, and a Master’s Degree in Education. He married Nancy McFadden in June 1967 at St. John’s Church. They soon moved to Colonie, NY where he began his teaching career at Veeder Elementary, while Nancy began her Master’s Degree in Library Science at SUNY Albany. Returning to Plattsburgh three years later, Mitch taught sixth grade for the next 32 years at Peru Elementary and Intermediary schools, where he remained for the rest of his teaching career.

He created wonderful memories for students and families with outdoor educational experiences he organized each May at Lake Colby and for many years, he invited his entire class to the family home for a spaghetti dinner. His family still receives comments from students and parents that he left his loving mark on over the years. He had a quiet, humble way about his giving and teaching, always enjoying doing things for others. Mitch loved teaching and had a special gift for making learning fun for his students and his sense of humor and smile is fondly remembered.

In retirement, Mitch enjoyed cooking, often gifting friends and family with Strawberry-Rhubarb and Pecan pies that he loved to deliver. It was his way of thanking them for their care. For years he also prepared a monthly Michigan lunch with pecan bars for everyone at Dubrey’s Station.

He was gifted in the woodworking department, over the years building many special items especially handmade wooden name plaques for each of his children and family members as well as small furniture pieces for home.

He was a member of the St. John’s Elementary School Board and set up a Taco Booth at the St. John’s Festival for several years. He loved Mexican food and would always find a Mexican restaurant when traveling.

Mitch looked forward to visiting his children in various states; seeing many beautiful sites and historical places around the country. He always enjoyed day trips to Vermont, visiting new restaurants, bookstores and specialty stores. He could always be found resting in the car, while Nancy visited the Christmas Tree Shop.

For 18 years, he and Nancy enjoyed being parishioners in the Sciota/Altona parishes and working the many dinners and events with Fr. Gilbert. Each Saturday night after mass they dined at Morrow’s with Betty, Earl and family members sitting and enjoying time with them.

In retirement he attended daily mass at St. John’s Church in Plattsburgh, where he is remembered for his friendly smile and the jokes he loved to share with others. At the time of his death, Mitch was a parishioner at St. Alexander’s Church in Morrisonville.

His career and life can be summed up by this quote in a letter he received, “I have always enjoyed working with you, observing your dedication to the children and your never-ending drive to be the best teacher those kids could ever have. You instilled a love of learning in many youngsters, year after year, as a Master Teacher. Thank you for caring so much."

He is survived by his wife, Nancy of 54 years and his six children: Christopher and his wife, Lisa; Tom; Lisa; Tim; Matthew; and Patrick and his husband Leo. He also leaves a niece, Michelle Piorek of Baltimore, MD, a brother-in-law, Joseph Coughlin of Watertown, six nieces and nephews, and cousin Al Bedard, of Glens Falls. He is predeceased by his parents, sister, Clare Coughlin of Watertown, sister, Patricia and brother-in-law Ted Piorek of N.H.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 17, at 10 a.m. at St. Alexander’s Church in Morrisonville.

Charitable donations in Mitch’s name can be sent to the Plattsburgh Pregnancy Center, 62 Brinkerhoff St., Plattsburgh or St. Alexander’s Church in Morrisonville, NY

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. Plattsburgh, NY 12901.
Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.