David W. Mills

Published in The Hour from December 14 to December 15, 2009

David W. Mills died December 11, 2009 at Norwalk Hospital. He was born in Norwalk on October 6, 1921 to the late William and Viola (Disbrow) Mills. Dave was predeceased by his wife Janet (Marsico) Mills, his brother John H. Mills and sister Dorothy Carbone. He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews including Beth Foldeak, John Mills, Barbara Mills, James Tuozzolo and Salli Tuozzolo as well as cherished great- nieces and nephews, Anne Foldeak, John Foldeak, Laura Rotondo, Jolie Johnston, Jennifer Tuozzolo, Jaime Tuozzolo and Susan Vincent and many great-grand nieces and nephews..

Dave was an accomplished athlete before entering the Army in February 1943. Throughout his years at Norwalk High School he excelled at hockey and baseball. As left wing and center for the Norwalk Cubs hockey team he greatly contributed to their wins of the 1939-1940 city championships. Dave's baseball pitching career continued with local teams after W.W.II until 1946 when he was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league team. Dave returned to NHS in 1950 as assistant hockey coach.

Dave graduated from Norwalk High School in 1939. Following his military service he completed his education at Pratt Institute. In 1948 he joined Carr Spiers Company followed by the Ted Sommers Advertising company as a commercial artist. He then went on to form the advertising company Porter and Mills in Fairfield CT.

Dave served in the Army from February 1943 until November 1945. Beginning his military career as a platoon leader for the infantry he went on to Officer Candidate School and pilot training graduating as First Lieutenant and Pilot for the 398th Bomber Group of the 8th Air Force. Based in Nuthampstead England he went on to fly 24 missions over Germany. Though receiving hits to his B17 bomber during missions neither he nor any of his crew were injured.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Norwalk on Wednesday, December 16, at 12 noon. There will be no prior calling hours. A celebration of Dave's life will be held at the home of Richard and Susan Vincent of Norwalk following the service. For information or directions contact 203-858-5922. Arrangements are by Magner Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be directed to 398th Bomb Group Memorial Association, 16210 Breakwater Path Drive, Houston, TX 77044, phone 281-809-5353.