Grafton - Mitchell J. Sthika Sr., 89, of 4 Pleasant St. Grafton a long time business owner died Thursday Feb. 28 in Beaumont Rehabilitation & Nursing Home, Northbridge after an illness.
He leaves his wife of 60 years Margaret J. (Joseph) Sthika of Grafton; one son Mitchell J. Sthika Jr. of Grafton; a daughter Ellen Burns of North Falmouth; two sisters Bessie Giantris and Olga Nicholas both of Worcester and several nephews and nieces. Mr. Sthika is also predeceased by a brother Christie Sthika and a sister Constance Dhoku. He was born in Worcester son of Vangel and Olimba (Miti) Sthika and graduated from Worcester High School.
Mr. Sthika ia veteran of both the Navy and the Marine Corps. serving during World War II.
He was the owner and operator of Glacier Beverages, Sure Dairy Farms and Muley's Food and Spirits of Southboro. He also was the Superintendant of the former Carling Brewery Bottling Line.
Mr. Sthika was a member of St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church in Worcester. He was also the first Albanian boy to be born in Worcester.
The funeral will be held on Monday March 4 at 12 noon in the Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home 12 Hammond St. Worcester. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. A calling hour will be held on Monday March 4 from 11 AM to 12 noon in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church 535 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609 or to the Alzheimer's Association.