Mitch Komnick

Whitesboro, New York - Mitchell “Mitch” A. Komnick, age 65, passed away, after a valiant battle, in the comfort of his home on Saturday, February 15, 2025, with his wife by his side.

He was born on May 9, 1959, in New Hartford, NY, the eldest son of Francis and Phyllis Komnick. Mitch attended Holy Trinity School and graduated from Notre Dame High School. He earned a full ride football scholarship to Colgate University where he joined the Delta Upsilon fraternity and received his Bachelor’s Degree in geology. On July 21,1989, he married Babette Schaefer at St. Joseph St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Utica, NY, forging a strong union that was fortified over their 40 years together. Throughout an award-winning career that spanned more than four decades, Mitch became a masterful restaurant operator, managing several area establishments before retiring after 20 years from T.L. Cannon.

Mitch will be remembered for his quick wit, his cerebral conversations, his spontaneity, and his lifelong athleticism. He was known by many, personally and professionally, as “the guy with the answers”. He found happiness in sharing good food with the people he loved and in spending summer vacations with his family on Cape Cod. Mitch was a good son, brother, uncle, grandson, and nephew. He was a loving husband and father, as well as an adored grandfather. 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Babette; daughter, Lauren (Trey) Groesbeck; his beloved granddaughter, Gracelyn “Gracie” Groesbeck; his parents, Frank and Phyllis (Smith) Komnick; sister, MaryAnn (Mike) Koscinski; brother, Peter (Sherry) Komnick; aunt, Lorraine (Gerald) Descutner; niece, Adelle Koscinski and nephews, Kevin Koscinski, Lucas Komnick, Ryan Komnick, and Nicholas Hanna. Mitch was predeceased by his grandparents Anthony and Anna (Dlugolecki) Komnick, his grandmother Gladys (Smith) Antes, and his uncle, Raymond Komnick. 

Family and friends are invited to gather for a remembrance service on Thursday, February 27th from 2-4 PM at the Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave., Utica. 

The Komnick family is incredibly grateful for the care that Mitch received during his fight. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Mitch’s name may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Inc. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements under the guidance of Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home, Stephen Karboski and David Roefaro directors.