Richard L. Mitchell

Mr. Richard L. Mitchell, age 51, of Utica, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. Born in Niles, Michigan on January 15, 1956, Richard was the son of Edna (Klug) Mitchell and the late Robert Mitchell, Sr. He was raised and educated in Buchanan, Michigan. On July 16, 2003 he married the former Karen A. Summa. The couple was blessed with a ‘true partnership’ and a loving, devoted union. Richard was employed by Electro-Voice in Buchanan as a die cast operator, the position from which he retired. Upon relocating to Utica, he worked for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service until the time of his illness. Richard was the best husband, father, and son. A true gentleman, he was a truly likeable individual and always there for everyone. He never asked for anything in return. A simple man with an altruistic nature, his greatest pleasure was helping people. He and his wife opened their home and hearts to assist and mentor foster children. In his spare time, he built and repaired computers, loved to work on automobiles, and enjoyed camping. Richard is survived by his wife Karen; his mother, Edna; his daughter, Angela Mitchell of Niles, MI; his son, Nicholas Malagese who resided at home; his step-son, Donald Durso, Jr. of Utica; and his grandchildren, Jordan Mitchell, Destiny Mitchell, and Delana Mitchell, all of Niles, MI. Also surviving are his brother and sister-in-law, Robert, Jr., and Amy Mitchell and their daughter Brianna; his foster children, Andrew Henderson, Thomas Meyers, Joshua Wilk, and Vernon Green. He also leaves his friends, Patrick Shields, William and Mary Ellen Kowiatek, Ann Cragnolin, and Donald Durso, Sr. He will also be missed by his canine companion, Toe-Toe, and his feline pet, Dude. The family extends thanks to Dr. Lance Brownstein, Dr. Atul Butala and his staff, the nurses and staff of the Infusion Center at the Faxton Regional Cancer Center and Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., especially Denise Smith, for the care and continued support shown to Richard and his family. In keeping with Richard’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Richard’s Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday August 18th at 12:30 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. with the Rev. Anthony P. LaFache officiating. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Richard’s honor to the American Cancer Society or Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Richard L. Mitchell

January 15, 1956 - August 7, 2007