Richard “Dick” Mitchell, Sr.
Richard “Dick” Mitchell, Sr. age 89, of Quincy passed-away peacefully surrounded by his children.Dick was welcomed into Heaven with open arms by his family that he missed so much. Dick was born in Mifflin County, PA on March 22, 1931, a son of John Henry and Florence May (Lynch) Mitchell.
He married Barb Mason on June 21, 1952 in Quincy’s St. Boniface Catholic Church and she survives.
Dick served his country as a member of the U.S. Army. He worked at Gardner Denver for twenty-three years prior to his retirement. He was devout Catholic who was actively involved at the former St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister for several years and was part of the Over-the-Hill Gang. He was an associate of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ religious order, he volunteered as a member of the St. Vincent Home Auxiliary, he had membership in the Knights of Columbus and W.C.U. Dick participated in Teens Encounter Christ, Quest, Cursillo and Residents Encounter Christ.
Dick liked camping and being outdoors. He had been active with both the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts, establishing the first Boy Scout troops at Jackson and Washington Schools.He was known as Smokey the Bear at Camp Saukenauk, and he enjoyed his Boy Scout trips to Filmont and canoeing there. Dick’s infectious smile will always be remembered. Family vacations and times spent together were something he also looked forward to. His children shared memories of the evening drives to watch the sunset and check-out the river.
Dick cherished his family in Pennsylvania, referring to PA and the Amish communities as “God’s Country”. He loved his baby sister Mary. When they were little, when Dick received a quarter for doing his chores, he would then give it to Mary so she could go skating.
He worked hard to provide for his family instilling in his children the ethic of hard work by his example. The Mitchell family extends a heartfelt thank you to St. Vincent’s Home and Nikki with Rehab First for their love and care of both Dick and Barb during their time there, to Blessing Hospice and April Grattan whose compassion they were blessed with as well.
In addition to his wife Barb, survivors include his sons, Dick (Vicky) Mitchell; John (Lori) Mitchell; Ed Mitchell; Robert (Becky) Mitchell; Pat (Georgia) Mitchell; Paul (Kelly) Mitchell and Ryan (Jessica) Mitchell. Daughters, Mary Fitzsimmons; Telly (Chris Majors) Crowder; Ann Mitchell; Barbie (Greg) Hebert; Susie (Tony) Bowles; Theresa (Rick) Canup; Flossie (Nik) Foukas; Chrissy Carter; Molly (Ross) Schulte and Linda (Kyle) England. Sister, Mary Shirk of Belleville, PA. 68 grandchildren; 70 great-grandchildren, and Six great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, and his much-loved dog, Precious who was by his side at the time of his passing.He was preceded in death by his parents, several brothers, one sister, a great-grandson Niall Clark; three sons-in-law: Gary “Poncho” Clark; Harvey Fitzsimmons, Larry Crowder and his beloved dog Addie.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, November 6, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Francis Church. Memorials are suggested to St. Vincent Home, Blessing Foundation for HOSPICE and the Adams County Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Those attending the services are asked to please wear a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines.
I have some really good memories of “Uncle” Smokey during the summer of 1970 when he was a leader for 23 Girl Scouts on a trip to Natio9nal Center West. We would sit around the fire and he would tell us some story that made us all laugh…and his laugh was contagious. He was also our protector on this trip, getting a rattlesnake out of somebody’s bedroll, One night we slept out “under the stars” near Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons.. A guy in a camper next to us hollered the there was a bunch of dead people out here. Smokey set the guy staight by telling him we were just Girl Scouts. We later were told the guy had one too many Coor’s. Remember Dick with smiles and happy memories…and I’m sure there are more than a few. Gold bless all of you and Rest In Peace, “out under the stars” Uncle Smokey.
Molly, Lori and entire family our prayers are with you all at this sad time. RIP Jeff & Joanne
sad to hear. He and dad and all of the scout leaders taught me a lot. still using those skills to this day.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. So very sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear about your Dad, Dick. I didn’t know him, but what a life he must have led. Sending prayers for you and Vicky and the entire Mitchell family.
HE was a great guy,he had a big part in leading me to jesus.my prayers with you. he is telling jokes to jesus now
Larry and I are praying for all of you. Dick was a good man and I am sure he will receive many blessings as he enters those pearly gates
Barb and families, I am so sorry for you loss! I remember Dick when I ran the switchboard at The H-W. He would call in for his beloved Barb. Such great sense of humor and he always made me laugh! We lost a great man. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time! Robin
Vicky and family… sorry for your loss. Happy he will be reunited with beloved family and cursillo friends. Prayers for all.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Sr was a good man. My prayers go out to Barb and all of the family during this difficult time in your life. God bless!
Dear Family
So sorry to hear about your husband and father dying. So many of you worked with me years ago at the Plaza 70s. I saw your parents at St. Patrick’s day at St. Rose about 4 years ago… so many good memories of all you guys. Enjoy your mother still time is short.
I’ll have a mass said for your father..
Paul K. Geers
Pres. Latin mass society of St. Rose.
Sorry to hear this, my thoughts and prayers for the family.
Dear Family – I am sorry for your lost – I wish you peace.
I’ve know Mr. Mitchell for a long time. I was in boy scouts at Saint John’s when he was. Was coached by his son Dick for baseball and football. I coached som of his sons in baseball. He was a very nice man. Sorry for your loss. Hope you are comforted by GOD’S GRACE.
“Uncle Smokey” is what we all called him on our trip to Girl Scout Center West back during the summer of 1970. He always had good word for us and even was so brave in getting a rattlesnake out of one of the girl’s sleeping bag. He and Jean And Billy Arp along with 23 Senior Scouts had such a great trip. A Summer I shall never forget. RIP Smokey … ;; God bless you and your magnificent family.
To have touched so many lives and have a legacy that will forever be grateful for your memories is a true testament to one’s life. We feel so privileged to have connected 10 years ago and to be part of your family. Till next time Grandpa!
I enjoyed taking care of Dick. Funny and a loving husband. I will stop and say hello on occasion as his burial site is just a few feet from my parents. Deepest sympathy’s to all.
On behalf of all PHJC Associates, we wish to offer our love and prayers to Barb and all the family as they celebrate the life of this great man. May God bless and comfort you all and may you find laughter and peace in your memories.
Libby Riggs, Director
Associate Community of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ
Jesus has brought home a true saint! Peace to all of you as you celebrate his life here on earth! What a great model for us to follow!