Robert F. Mitchell

Major Robert F. Mitchell, U.S. Army retired, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2015. Born in Dayton, Ohio on September 10, 1922, “Mitch”, as he was called by his friends, enlisted in the Army and served honorably in WWII as an ordinance specialist and tank crew member in the North African theater of operations. After his distinguished wartime service, he was commissioned as an officer and made the Army his career.

He married Mary “Peggy” Hyland on October 28, 1944. Together they had 7 children and were married 58 years. After retiring from the Army, Bob became a general contractor. The Mitchell family lived in Barre, Vermont for 10 years before moving to Tallahassee in 1968. He worked for the State of Florida Department of Safety and Health for 30 years. He also taught at Lively Vo-Tech at night, helping students prepare for the General Contractors exam.

A devout Catholic, Bob was a member of St. Thomas More parish since 1970, attending daily mass there until age 90. He was there for mass the day before he died. He is survived by his loving children: Bob Mitchell (Sally) of Long Island, NY; George Mitchell (Jane) of Barre, VT; Paul Mitchell (Rashelle) of Pensacola, FL; Suzy Anderson; Molly Taylor (Greg) of Tallahassee, FL; and Dolly Mitchell (Richard Gott) of Crawfordville, FL.; as well as 12 grandchildren; great grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Peggy and his daughter, Kathleen Mitchell.

Bob Mitchell was a quiet, strong man who led by example. His strength, character, and morality reflect the best of the heroic values for which his generation has been called The Greatest. We love and miss you Pappa.