Obituary of Paul S. Mikan, M.D.

Dr. Paul S. Mikan, 70, passed away on Thursday, October 5, peacefully at home surrounded by his family in Huntington, CT. Having opened his Internal Medicine practice near Huntington Center in 1980, he dedicated his life to serving the locals with the selflessness, humility, and compassion that were so familiar to his loving family. Those who met Paul, knew they had a lifelong confidante in him. He genuinely loved being a physician and the relationships he was able to foster as a result of his beloved profession- he never wanted to retire. Being the true academician he was, he read, learned, and taught as much as he could, even if his audience didn't share the same curiosities he did.

Paul was born in Seeboden, Austria and emigrated to the United States when he was 9 years old. Growing up in Bridgeport, his immigrant mother worked tirelessly to ensure he could attend Catholic grammar school and the former Marist minor seminary in Bedford, MA for high school. Having the burning desire to become a physician instead of a priest, he went on to study English at Fairfield University, and then Medicine at Universite' de Liege in Belgium. He completed his residency at St. Vincent's Hospital where he remained a member of the staff for many years. Teaching residents there later in his career brought him tremendous joy and he was named Teaching Physician of the Year by the house staff numerous years. He was equally thought upon by his many professional colleagues. Paul was one of the founding fathers of PriMed.

St. Vincent's Hospital is where Paul met the love of his life, Margaret, whom he loved fiercely. The two were destined to be together, dating from abroad throughout the difficult years of medical school. They married in 1978 after which they established themselves as longtime residents of Huntington and Margaret worked as the nurse in the office they opened out of their home. Paul and Margaret had an extraordinary bond most married couples could only wish to have – one of complete equality, respect, and adoring affection. They went on to have three daughters whom he was endlessly proud of – Erin, Maura, and Patty. Most important to Paul was spending time with his family – wife, girls, and their families which include sons-in-law Blair Williamson, Jared Connell, Scott SanFanAndre, and all the grandchildren – Dylan, Julia, Kiernan, Jack, Nolan, Conan, and Audrey. "Paw" to his grandchildren was the best of grandparents, taking them on countless tractor rides and often found on Sunday mornings watching cartoons and surrendering his food to them while holding those grandchildren on his lap.

Paul was the quintessential gentleman, chivalrous beyond measure. He was humble when recognized around town by his patients, always ready to lend a helping hand to a stranger, held doors (and his wife's hand) – typical of times long ago. He enjoyed classical music and literature. He was superbly eloquent – many were surprised that English was not his native language. His hard-working ethic and genuine kindness was bore into the very fiber of his being and this was apparent to all. His daughters were taught by his example and sought those same qualities in their partners. He loved working in his yard, going for walks, reading, playing tennis with his friends, and traveling to Hilton Head where he and Margaret spent so much time together – it was truly a sacred place to him.

Paul is survived by his wife Margaret Lee Mikan; daughters Erin Williamson (husband Blair) of Farmington, Maura Connell (husband Jared) of Boston, Patty SanFanAndre (husband Scott) of Monroe; grandchildren; mother Vera Brkic of Monroe; brother Peter Mikan (wife, Claire) of Monroe; sister Christine Kalakay (husband Walter); and his cherished extended family of brothers- and sisters- in- law, and many nephews, nieces, and dear friends.

Paul's funeral will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 505 Shelton Avenue in Huntington on Tuesday, October 10 at 12:00 PM. A reception will follow in the St. Lawrence Parish Hall and all are welcome.

If you wish to make a donation, please make your donations to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA  01701 or Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT  06405.