Neil C. “Mitch” Mitchell, 85, passed away on Friday November 18, 2016 at Mary Immaculate Nursing Home in Lawrence, MA with his loving wife of 64 years Joan Grace Mitchell by his side.

Born in Calais Maine on December 18, 1930, he was the son of the late Helen (MacWilliams) Mitchell and the brother of the late Robert “Bob” Mitchell of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His family moved to Lawrence in 1948. He was educated in the Lawrence School system and upon graduating from Lawrence High School, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He deployed to the Korean War aboard the USS New Jersey and later participated in the nuclear radiation exposure experiments code named Operation Upshot Knothole. These tests were conducted at the Nevada Proving Grounds during 1953 and Neil was present at the Simon detonation on April 25 earning him recognition as a member of the “Atomic Veterans”. Neil spent the majority of his working career with Continental Baking Company as an active member of the Teamsters Union with whom he served as a Shop Steward. He was an avid reader, student of history, all around handy man and enjoyed traveling with his wife and children in their motor home. He remained forever proud of being a United States Marine. Neil is survived by his wife, Joan Grace Mitchell of Windham, NH; son, Douglas and his wife, Pamela of Brownfield, Maine; son, Scott Mitchell and Pamela Saccamano of Walnut Creek, California; son, Brian and his wife, Cynthia of Rye, New Hampshire and son, Alan and his wife, Colleen of Windham, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer, Kathryn, Meaghan, Whitney, Morgan, Dane, Patrick, Jonathan and his wife, Caitlin and his great grandson Sean. Neil was a member or The Marine Corp League and American Legion. The family would like to thank the staff of Mary Immaculate for their compassionate and dedicated care during Neil’s stay with them.

In keeping with his wishes there will be no calling hours or service but instead a private Celebration of Life gathering to be held at a later date. Anyone wishing to honor Neil’s life is asked to make a donation in his name to Mary Immaculate Nursing Home 172 Lawrence Street, Lawrence, MA 01841, http://www.mihcs.org. Arrangements are by The Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen.  To send an online condolence, please go to www.dewhirstfuneral.com.
 

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