Victor M. Muschell, Esq., 83, a lifelong resident of Torrington, CT, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. He was the husband of the late Marion (Brooks) Muschell.
Vic was born on July 19, 1940, the only child of Victor and Albina (Bredice) Muschell. He was a graduate of Torrington High School, and Lafayette College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. He then earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Boston University School of Law, and later enrolled in the UConn Law School Post Graduate program, specializing in Labor and Employment Law.
Vic served his clients for 47 years from the office he opened in 1972 on Church Street in Torrington until he closed his private practice in 2019. Since 2019, he continued to serve his community representing the City of Torrington as Corporation Counsel until the time of his death. In a fitting nod to the circle of life, it was as Corporation Counsel that he began his legal career in 1967, serving in that capacity until entering private practice.
Throughout his life, Vic was active in many professional organizations, including of the Litchfield County Bar Association (Past President), the Connecticut Bar Foundation (Past President), the Connecticut School of Attorneys Council (Past President), the Connecticut Bar Foundation, the Governor’s Arbitration Panel, the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, the State Board of Mediation and Arbitration, the Connecticut Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and served as former counsel for the State Senate Republican Caucus.
Vic’s passion for his profession was comparable to his passion for his home within the Torrington community. He was Co-President / Director of the Torrington Development Corporation, Corporate Secretary / Director of the NW Association for the Arts (Warner Theatre), Director / Treasurer of the Northwest CT Community Foundation, President / Director of the Torrington-Winsted Area Rotary Club, Director of Five Points Gallery, Inc., Corporator of the Torrington Historical Society, Corporator of the Maria Seymour Brooker Memorial, Corporator of the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital (Hartford Healthcare), Director / Board Chair of the Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce; Director with the Torrington Area Parkinson’s Support Group, Director Emeritus / Former Treasurer of the NWCT YMCA, and a member of the Torrington Main Street Action Team. He also played an integral role in the formative years of The Nutmeg Ballet.
Vic was a former member, Chair of and legal counsel to the Torrington Board of Education, served with the Torrington Charter Revision Commissions during 1969, 2003, 2008, 2011, and was a former member of the CT Board of Governors for Higher Education. He served as the Chair of the Torrington First Night Celebration Y2K, did pro bono work for the Heritage Land Preservation Trust, was a member of the Torrington Lodge of Elks #372, and was a Trustee and lifetime member of the Center Congregational Church.
Among the awards he received throughout his life were the Paul Harris Fellow from the Torrington-Winsted Area Rotary Club, the Business Leader Award from the NW Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, the Good Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of American – CT Rivers Council, the Promoter of Community Progress Award from the Wisdom House, the Distinguished Service Award from the Torrington Jaycees. He was honored by UNICO in 2022 as the Italian Mayor for the Day.
Vic will be remembered by many for many reasons, but his classic wit, rationale thinking, and calm demeanor were universally observed and appreciated. His love of Torrington and its people, devotion to family and friends, and dedication to a life of honor and integrity distinguished Vic. As busy as he was, he was always present in the lives of his parents, his wife, his daughters, and their families. His impact forever rests in the hearts of those who loved him and within the soul of the community about which he cared so deeply.
Vic is survived by his two daughters, Atty. Donna Mattiello, her husband Brian, of Torrington, CT, their children, Aiden, Olivia, Justin, Amanda and Jasmine; and Atty. Brooke Joiner, her husband Ben, of Burlington, CT, and their children Jack and Charles.
Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 12:00 noon, at Center Congregational Church, 155 Main St., Torrington, CT. Relatives and friends are asked to meet directly at Center Congregational Church, 155 Main St., Torrington, CT. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to further the interests of the community so loved by Vic: The Marion and Vic Muschell Family Fund, a fund in support of the community, c/o Northwest CT Community Foundation, P. O. Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790 or to The Warner Theatre, 68 Main St., Torrington, CT 06790 or to The Nutmeg Conservatory, 58 Main St., Torrington, CT 06790.
Condolences may be sent to the Muschell family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
5:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Cook Funeral Home
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Center Congregational Church
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