Roger was a dedicated and talented mechanic for 65 years, devoting over 19 years of service to the City of Tampa Fire Department Station no. 9. His commitment and expertise made an indelible impact on the community. He retired in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and dedication. He had a lifelong passion for cars, especially old cars and hot rods. You could always find him in his 40’ x 40’ garage/barn tinkering with something he recently purchased. He enjoyed watching or attending any type of car racing with family and friends any chance he had.
Roger’s memory will forever reside in the hearts of those who loved him. His sense of humor, generosity, and kind spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Roger is survived by the love of his life of 45 years, Darla Geyser Mitchell; 5 children, Dante Christian (Marisol) Kelley, Juli Anna Kestner, Dionna Faith Kelley (Chris Cloutier), Nicole Anne Mitchell (Jaime Nieves Gelabert), Roger Alan Mitchell Jr (Petrina Tate); 11 grandchildren; Kristi Lee Kestner (Jonye Rosebury), Jessica Kestner Brown (Lavon) Brown jr., Bryan Christopher Cloutier, Nathaniel Mitchell Camacho, Leah Elyse Kelley, Christian Dante Kelley, Alina Elyse Kelley, Amanda Marie Musko (Scott McClellan), Alissa Nicole Musko (Kenneth Barton), Kelissa Applebee, Jaden Applebee; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, David A. (Mary) Mitchell, sister, Carol Mitchell (Ralph) Talarico, brother Paul O. (Linda) Mitchell; sister-in-law Janet L. Geyser, Sandra Geyser Dorff, Lura Geyser Maclise; And multiple nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Mitchell and Wanda Lum Mitchell, daughter Melissa Ann Kelley Musko, son-in-law John Kestner and Anthony Charles Musko Jr., grandson Anthony Charles Musko III, brother-in-law, Frederick Paul Geyser Jr., Dr Gerald Dorff, James Maclise.
Celebration of Life will take place at 2 PM on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at the Blount and Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 E. Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610.
Friends may visit at the funeral home where the family will be present on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, from 1 PM until the time of service.
Graveside Service will follow at 3pm on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.
Roger’s family is especially grateful to Kristi Lee Kestner (beloved granddaughter) for her continual love and devotion in making sure her grandfather was comfortable and cared for daily.
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to the American Heart Association dedicated to Roger A. Mitchell Sr., 11207 Blue Heron Blvd 33716, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 US, https://www.heart.org/.
Serving as pallbearers are Roger Alan Mitchell, Jr: son, Dante Christian Kelley; son, Christian Dante Kelley:grandson, Jaime Nieves-Gelabert: son-in-law, Jonye Satik Rosebury: son-in-law, Bryan Christopher Cloutier: grandson and Nathaniel Mitchell Camacho: grandson.
