Obituary of Themistocli Ziu

Themistocli "Mitch" Ziu, age 97 of Trumbull, and beloved husband of Katherine Christo Ziu, passed away on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at his home with his loving wife by his side. Born on November 27, 1920, in Korçä, Albania, he was the son of the late Andrew and Olymbia Adam Ziu and came to America in 1927. Mitch grew up in Southbridge, Massachusetts, and graduated from the Cole Trade School as a Machinist. From 1940 to 1960, he worked at the American Optical Company as a machinist, toolmaker, and finally as a supervisor of the machine shop.

He served with pride and honor in the United States Navy as an Aviation Radioman Gunner on the USS FDR from 1944 to 1946. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Katherine Christo, on October 20, 1946. In 1960, he accepted a position as machine shop supervisor with the Perkin Elmer Company and moved his family to Fairfield, Connecticut. Mitch also worked at Electrolux in Greenwich, Connecticut, while going to school at night and earning his BSME from the University of Bridgeport in 1972. Before his retirement in 1988, he was a manufacturing engineer with the Unimation Corporation and then the Helicoil Corporation of Danbury, Connecticut. In his early years, Mitch was a member of the St. Michaels Romanian Orthodox Church in Southbridge where he served as president and secretary. Later, in Connecticut, he was a member of the St. Dimitrie Romanian Orthodox Church of Easton, served as the treasurer of the church council, and valued his time as a member of the St. Dimitrie's senior group.

In his spare time, Mitch enjoyed Soduko and crossword puzzles, reading, and an occasional scotch. He loved to play the mandolin, go fishing, and make people laugh with his great sense of humor. He was handy, earned the nickname of Mr. Fix It, and was quick to have the barbecue tongs in one hand and coffee in another. He also loved to travel, spend time with his family, and loved to proudly wear the university hats of his grandchildren. Later in retirement, he enjoyed the warm weather, beach, and backwater fishing of Marco Island, Florida. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and kind friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his beloved wife Katherine of 72 years, survivors include eight loving children, Virginia Seccombe of Branford, Barbara McFarland of Austin, Texas, Patricia Berarducci (Tom) of North Haven, Chris Ziu (Abby) of St. Augustine, Florida, Sandra Bennett (Mark) of Austin, Texas, James Ziu (Cheryl) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Tim Ziu of Boston, Massachusetts, and Debra Bauer (David) of Wilton, twelve loving grandchildren, and three cherished great grandchildren including many nieces and nephews. Mitch was predeceased by a young brother, George Ziu and an infant sister, Loretta as well as a brother, Mihail Ziu, and a sister, Mary Seferi.

A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, November 24, 2018 directly at St. Dimitrie Romanian Orthodox Church, 504 Sport Hill Rd., Easton at 11:00 a.m. Friends may greet the family on Saturday morning at the church from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Interment with full military honors will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery, Fairfield. Arrangements are in care of The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 200 Executive Blvd. Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489.