SPRINGFIELD, VT— Gordon B. Mitchell passed away on April 12, 2025, at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. “Mitch” was born on July 12, 1941, to Ellsworth Gordon Mitchell and Susan Anna Gladney in Waterbury, CT, and grew up on Buckland St. in Southington, CT. He joined the Army in 1960 and served as a mechanic, stationed in Munich, Germany, and Fort Devens.
On August 10th, 1975, he married the love of his life, Harriet Beckwith. They raised their family in Springfield, VT. Mitch worked as a carpenter and machinist at Cone Blanchard and Pompanette (f.k.a.Bomar), where he retired in 2006.
Family and friends meant everything to Mitch, and he would do anything for them. He and Harriet had a group of friends who became family, including Joe and Maryanne Campbell, Phil and Sue Pare, Ray and Marilyn Arey, and Denny and Joanie Greenwood. The group would ride motorcycles, take cruises, dance at The Moose Club in Claremont, NH, and take vacations to Petit Manan in Maine together.
He enjoyed taking family road trips to various places such as Florida, California, and Maine. The Mitchells took numerous day trips to Connecticut just to visit with friends and family. He would say, “A short visit is better than no visit at all.” He enjoyed returning to his hometown to attend “Concerts on the Green,” put on by his lifelong friend, Jerry Limmer. Mitch loved spending time at the family’s camp. His favorite thing to do was to sit in the sun, on the dock, on a brisk, windy fall day, or share a campfire with friends and family. His famous saying was, “A rainy day at camp beats a sunny day at work.” He had a knack for photography and had a show at the Miller Art Center in Springfield during the 1980s. He played golf, horseshoes, and was a member of a bowling league.
He is survived by his wife, Harriet; his son, Scott, and his wife, Trisha; his daughter, Pam Church; and his daughter, Sarah Donaldson. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Marie, Allison, and Emily Mitchell; Wilson (Kestrel), Evan, and Anna Church; and Andrew Donaldson. Mitch was predeceased by his daughter, Robin; his brother, Robert; and his parents.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the hospice care team at VNA and Springfield Hospital for the care and support that the Mitchell family received during the last weeks of his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the All Souls By the Sea Church in Steuben, ME, where Harriet and Mitch were married and his brother led summer church services. Donations can be sent to Jessica Mague, 103 Eddy Rd, Edgecomb, ME. 04556. Or, donations can be made to The Memory Cafe, c/o Krey Kellington, 37B Main St, Ludlow, 05149. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 25th at 1 PM at the First Congregational Church in Springfield, VT, with a reception to follow at The Copper Fox.
Mitch will fondly be remembered for his integrity, his warm heart, and his willingness to do anything for a laugh.
Davis Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements.
