THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, DECEmbER 29, 2023 Page 3 One More Tribute to Two Great Dads By Joe McConnell A nother year will be ending in two days, and traditionally newspaper reporters would have already wreaked havoc through their archives to chronicle the most important stories for that fi nal week’s publication. It’s never an easy task, but some years are tougher than others. In 2023, The Advocate family had to sadly cope with losses. On June 30, the newspaper’s cofounder, James Donald Mitchell, Jr., passed away, and just 12 days later on July 11, my dad, Joseph F. McConnell, Sr., left us for the world of eternal life, as well. At that point, the emotions and memories started to fl ow. It had nothing to do with their careers, but what they meant to the world around them as a whole. As his sportswriter for the better part of three decades. I saw Jim’s newspaper empire grow exponentially. It all started in his native Chelsea, but in 1993, his son, James David Mitchell, bought out his dad’s company, Suff olk County Publications, and, through his own company, Advocate Newspapers, Inc., expanded to Revere and Everett, where it became a must-read every Friday, and it still is to this day. Jim and his son have never been afraid to expose the inner workings of city government, while still promoting Everett Pride in their thorTRIBUTE | SEE PAGE 4 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Daily 4:00 PM Closed Sunday Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Monday & Tuesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Longtime Advocate sportswriter Joe McConnell, Jr. is shown with his dad, Joe, Sr., in 2014 after he celebrated his 89th birthday at the Texas Roadhouse in Everett with his son and many other family members. Joe, Sr. passed away on July 11. (Courtesy photo) Advocate Newspapers coowners James David Mitchell (left) with his dad, the late James Donald Mitchell, in 2023. Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s HOLIDAY SHOP LOCAL & DROP BY FOR DINNER! www.eight10barandgrille.com SABATINO INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
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