Richard Mott Mitzel

Richard “Ric” Mott Mitzel, 87, of Tampa died peacefully on April 16, 2025. Born in Detroit, Michigan on November 27, 1937, he is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Grace Mitzel. He leaves behind his loving wife of 24 years Vicki Mitzel; his brother John (Lynne) Mitzel; and daughters Susan (Carl) Bass, Amy Kirschner, and Julie (Derek Dixon) Mitzel. He also leaves behind three stepsons Chad (Emma) Fisher, Brad Fisher and Cory Fisher as well as numerous grandchildren and a brand-new great granddaughter.

Ric grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Western Michigan University and Detroit College of Law. He practiced law in Grand Rapids, Michigan for several years before moving to Tampa with his family in 1968. He was a brilliant, talented personal injury and medical malpractice attorney in Tampa for over 50 years. He was greatly respected by his colleagues and a pillar of the Tampa community.

Ric loved boating and was an avid golfer. He was a member of Palma Ceia Country Club for several decades, where he once made a hole in one on the 4th hole. He enjoyed sports cars and traveled to dozens of countries during his lifetime. He loved his family immensely and was kind to animals. He especially loved babies, cats and dogs.

Ric will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens in Brandon, Florida. A celebration of Ric’s amazing life will take place Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL, 33609 . In lieu of flowers, donations in Ric’s name can be made to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.