Mitch D. Massaconi

The “Amazing Mitchell Massaconi, aka “the Great Kid Coni” and “Zippy”, was born in Pittsfield, Mass. on December 28, 1947, to Michael V. and Angelina C. Vacchina Massaconi. He and his brothers, Michael and Mark were raised by their mother, Angie, and his Nona and Nono in a very loving household.

He was an outstanding athlete, a passion he carried throughout his school years. He attended Pittsfield High School, where he played football, baseball, hockey, basketball, and wrestling. He received an award in football for “outstanding contribution” as co-captain, ace linebacker, and wingman, (#42). He played first base on the 1966 PHS Generals Baseball team and won the state championship. As a team, they have reunited every five years. He enlisted in the Navy in 1969 and served as a Yeoman in the Pentagon during the Vietnam War.

In 1973, Mitch met the “love of his life”, Carol Rose Galli, the first morning he woke up in the hospital. Rose was his med tech who drew his blood. Rose was his “angel” and it was a “match made in heaven!” He always said, “IT WAS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE”! They were blessed to be married 44 years and his love was God’s greatest gift to her.

He attended Westfield State College and graduated from the University of Mass. in 1976 with a Physical Education degree and did a great job as the head basketball coach at Berkshire College. The team won the State championship that year! In 1978, the couple got a one-way ticket to Georgia: “it was two tickets to paradise.” Work and weather brought them South. Mitch taught Phys. Ed. at a Haynes Bridge Middle School and was very active as a counselor with Camp Sunshine, a camp for children with cancer, and with Relay For Life, Georgia. He operated two restaurants, Mittie’s Tea Room and Rose’s on Canton St., with Rose from 1987-2001 which served as a ministry to all who worked there and to all who came to dine. He worked his “dream” job from 2002-2006, taking care of tennis courts at the Standard Club in Atlanta. He was a very good player and at one point he played just about every day. He did an incredible job there!

From 2006-2007, the couple worked for a wealthy couple in Topanga Canyon, Ca. It was one of the “greatest adventures” of their lives. He also worked as a Special Needs bus driver from 2008-2011. He adored his kids and he made a lasting impression on many young lives.

Mitch was a man of strong faith, allowing that faith to guide him through life, especially thru the difficult times, he was a 48 year survivor of Hodgkins Disease and was an inspiration to all who were going through it. He knew how to express unconditional love and he lived his life as an example to others. He was everyone’s best friend, and taught all those he knew how to love and live with unending gratefulness and joy. His enduring legacy will be the support hope and friendship that he gave thousands of survivors thru “Mitchell’s Story” htts://www.hodgkinsinternational.com/survivor-stories.

He is now celebrating eternal life with his Heavenly Father. Our hearts are filled with joy knowing that he is dancing with Jesus now. As an organ donor, he was able to give sight to four people, which would have given him a lot of joy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made “In Loving memory of Mitchell Massaconi” to any of the following organizations that were near and dear to his heart: Camp Sunshine at www.mycampsunshine.com or www.Hodgkinsinternational.com/donate .html

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodstockfuneralhome.com for the MASSACONI family.