Emil R. Mikula

Emil Mikula, a long-time resident of Salem, NH, passed away on February 16, after a brief illness. He was 78. He was born in Lawrence, MA, and attended Lawrence High School. All throughout his life he retained a fondness for the city of his youth.

After graduating from high school in 1958, he joined the United State Marines Corps. After training at Parris Island, SC, he was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. After serving four years, he was honorably discharged and returned home to raise a family.

He worked for eight years for Essem Meat Packing where he drove a delivery truck all over New England. He then joined the United States Postal Service working as a letter carrier in Andover, MA, for 22 years until his retirement.

He married his childhood sweetheart, Joyce Butterworth, in 1960 while on active duty in the Marines. Together they moved to Salem where they raised two sons.

He was an avid sports fan, especially the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins. When his sons were young, he coached little league baseball and ultimately served as president of the Salem Little League. He also enjoyed occasional trips to Las Vegas with family and friends to take in shows and play the slot machines.

He is preceded in death by his parents Emil W. and Edith (Pettinelli) Mikula; and his beloved wife Joyce (Butterworth) Mikula. He is survived by son Michael and daughter-in-law Heidi of New Hampshire; and son David of Virginia. He found special joy in spending time with his grandchildren Joseph and Joyce.

He lived a long life filled with love and compassion. His kind nature and gentle demeanor made it easy for him to make friends. He was fortunate to have many caring family members, friends and neighbors in his life, all of whom will miss him very much.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 21st at noon in the funeral home chapel. Burial with military honors will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Salem. Friends may call on Thursday from 10 to 12 noon.

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