Richard was born in Auburn on March 17, 1927, the son of Lloyd and Geneva Hunnewell Mitchell. He graduated from Mechanic Falls High School, and later joined the Army, serving as a medic in Germany and Australia.
He worked at the Marcel Paper Mill in Mechanic Falls, and was a superintendent at the Pejepscot Paper Mill in Topsham.
His passion was sports. He was an avid golfer, hunter and mountain climber. His other interests include water skiing, snowmobiling, reading, working crossword puzzles and dining out.
Richard was a member of the Mechanic Falls Masons.
In 1983, he married the former Claire Beaudoin Gagnon. Besides his beloved wife of 30 years, he is survived by two daughters, Sandra Hackett and her husband, Bruce of North Berwick, and Tania Whittier and her husband, Jimmy of Poland; a stepson, Lee Gagnon and his wife, Laurie of Portland; a sisterin law, Fay Mitchell of Massachusetts; five grandchildren, Jessica Winiorski and her husband, Jim of New Hampshire,
Jeffrey Hackett of Poland, Scott Whittier of Massachusetts, Ryan Whittier and his wife, Jessica of Poland, Adam Whittier and his wife, Kayla of Norway; two stepgranddaughters, Kristi and Brittany Gagnon, both of Portland; two “inherited” granddaughters, Melanie Houston and Taylor Tantingo, both of Topsham; five great-grandchildren, Mason and Charlotte Winiorski of New Hampshire, Margo and Jasmine Whittier of Poland, and Logan Whittier of Norway; and two nieces, Pam and Penny Mitchell, both of Massachusetts.
His parents and a brother, Aubrey Mitchell, predeceased him.
At his request, there will be no visiting hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Richard’s life on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m., at the Pejepscot Terrace Community Hall, 56 Pejepscot Terrace in Brunswick.
Interment at the Highland Cemetery in Poland will be private.
Richard’s family extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staffs of the Winship Green Nursing Center and Dionne Commons for their excellent care and support.
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