Barry F. Mitchell

Barry Mitchell, 73, of Cape Coral, Florida, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026, after a hard-fought, two-year battle with lung cancer. His final day was spent in the RV that represented the freedom and adventure he loved.

Born on Aug. 16, 1952, in London, England, to Walter “Jim” and Vera Mitchell, Barry began his career as a plumber and remodeling contractor. He married Kathleen Cully in 1971, and they immigrated to the United States with their children in 1977. Barry was a keen believer in the American Dream and worked hard to grasp opportunities that led to his role as vice president of Central States Waterproofing, based in St. Louis, Missouri. After settling in Ft. Myers, Florida, in the early 1990s, Barry owned a pool design and installation company before finishing his career selling pool screen enclosures for Fabritech.

Barry was happiest when building and creating. Whether remodeling homes, including his own, or taking on tasks that others might have thought impossible, Barry never backed down from a challenge – even if he occasionally bit off more than he could chew. He had an incredible ability to figure out projects of all kinds and was always researching, learning and keeping himself busy. Barry loved spending time boating at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, camping, traveling, target shooting, and dreaming of one day living completely off the grid. In his later years, he discovered a passion for making handcrafted knives with leather handles, another hobby that reflected his creativity and love of working with his hands. More than anything, however, Barry loved his family. He was incredibly proud of his children and all they accomplished. He believed in hard work, integrity, and perseverance, and he passed those values on to his children and grandchildren, always encouraging them to work hard, pursue their goals, and make the most of their lives.

Barry is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Kathy. He also leaves behind his children: Jason, Wayne, Danny, and Bonnie; 14 cherished grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him tremendous pride and joy.

Barry will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality. He was the life of the party, had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, and made friends wherever he went. His strength, generosity, sense of humor, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He spent a lifetime building, learning, and dreaming, and ultimately found peace in the places that made him happiest.

A private Celebration of Life will be held with family and close friends.

The family welcomes memorial donations to the American Cancer Society (link: https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorial).