Mitchell Lubenko

Mitch Lubenko was born May 8, 1947 in Sutter Creek, CA to the late Lucille Germolis- Lubenko and Martin Lubenko, and was raised in Fiddletown. He attended school in the Old Fiddletown School House until the 3rd grade when his class was moved to Plymouth Elementary. It was then that he met his childhood sweetheart and future wife Donna Upton. Through elementary, Junior High, and High School Mitch was a lively student. His senior year of High School Mitch left Amador County to work for his cousin Tom Glages’ construction company in Campbell, CA. This marked the beginning of his career in construction and a lifelong devotion to helping others. Not one to openly share his emotions, he truly showed his compassion for others in his actions; he was the first to help a friend or stranger in need. He helped build the park in Fiddletown and more recently worked tirelessly on the maintenance of the Fiddletown Cemetery. More than anything he was always there to tell you how to do something “right”. In 1966 Mitch married is his life partner and best friend Donna Upton. They started their life together in Campbell having two sons Donn and Ronn before moving home to the Shenandoah Valley in 1974 where they have remained for the past 46 years. They were best friends and she was by his side every step of the way. Mitch started Lubenko Construction as an owner-operator with his first backhoe in 1974 moving from small local jobs to larger public utility projects throughout California. He was a man of integrity and believed in doing the job right the first time. The success of his company was a true point of pride for him. He was a walking encyclopedia of Amador County history. He could tell you who owned what property when they owned it, their name, their kids’ name, possibly even their dogs’ name. The best part of his delivery of these facts were the stories that were often woven in. Mitch loved hunting and fishing, a good hand of cards, taking care of his Hereford cattle, a hard day’s work, and his daily phone calls with his friends. He is survived by his wife Donna of 54 years; sons, Donn Lubenko (Sharon) and Ronn Lubenko (Jamie); and grandchildren, Bailey, Jonny, Mitchell, and Michael. A graveside service will be held at the Fiddletown Cemetery Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. A celebration of life will be held on a future date.