Richard “Dick” Charles Mitchell, “beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Richard “Dick” Charles Mitchell passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 85. Born on April 27, 1941, to Lloyd Mitchell and Ruth Wood Mitchell Jackson. Ruth’s second husband, Paul Jackson, raised Dick in his teenage years and had a profound influence on his life.  Dick spent most of his life in the Bolivar and Shinglehouse areas, building a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and helping others.

On October 26, 1963, he married Betty A Howe. Together they built a family and shared many years of memories on South Bolivar Rd. In 2014 they moved to Springfield, GA to be near his sister and escape the cold winters. Following Betty’s passing in 2018, Dick returned to Shinglehouse, where he began a new chapter of life and continued to stay active and involved in his community.

Faith was an important part of Dick’s life. He was an active church member throughout his life, spending many years as a member of the Shinglehouse Christian and Missionary Alliance Church and later attending Crosstown Alliance Church.

Dick was a farmer and construction worker who took great pride in working hard to provide for his family. His work ethic was evident in the long days he put in, often leaving home before sunrise and not returning until after sunset, only to head out and take care of the farm chores. Hard work was simply part of who he was. During the winter he joined his wife working with the school district by driving bus for many years including many weekends for his daughters’ winter color guard events. He was an active participant in his family’s lives. Always a familiar face in the crowd at high school sports events for both his children and grandchildren and as a chaperon for many campouts and hikes with the Coudersport Boy Scouts.

Over the years, Dick maintained his own hobby farm, raising a variety of animals including cows, pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens, and horses at various times. The horses held a special place in the family’s memories, as he gave his children and grandchildren the opportunity to learn to ride and develop an appreciation for them. Those experiences became a gift that extended beyond his own years of farming.

His love of farming also included a love of tractors which was evident his attendance at tractor pulls and tractor parades. Since returning to Shinglehouse Dick had collected 3 tractors including an Allis Chalmers he had been working on restoring.

Many of the family’s fondest memories were made in the hayfields during the summer. His children, sister Millie’s family, grandchildren, and just about anyone else who happened to get recruited along the way spent countless hours helping bring in the hay. Winters brought their own traditions, with many of the same helpers joining him in the woods to cut firewood to heat the family home. These were more than just chores; they were family time, memories, and traditions that will live on for generations.

A quiet and reserved man by nature, Dick also had a sense of humor and enjoyed joking around. He took great pride in attending his annual Oswayo Valley High School reunion and family reunions, keeping connections alive and enjoying the opportunity to catch up with those who had been part of his life.

Dick also enjoyed spending several winters in Springfield, Georgia. While there, he helped his landlord and close friend Mel with his goat farm and thoroughly enjoyed watching the goats in his backyard. It was one of the simple pleasures that brought him happiness.

After returning to Shinglehouse in 2018, Dick found new ways to keep busy and help those around him. He was often found mowing lawns and rototilling gardens for others, continuing to do what came naturally to him: working hard and lending a hand whenever he could. He also developed an interest in following the Oswayo Valley girls’ volleyball team, attending both home and away games for a couple of years and enjoying the opportunity to support the local sports.

Dick is survived by his three children: Tim (Julie) Mitchell of Scio, Aimee (Steve) Miller of Coudersport, and Tracey (John) Gilfert of Cuba; his grandchildren, Jessica (Dylan) Baker, Justin (Jill) Mitchell, Tawny (Kevin) Mitchell, Teal (Dustin) Davis, Caitlin (Mason) James, Connor (Lindsay) Nolan, Zac (Krysta) Miller, Kelsey Miller, Ryan Grover, Alyssa Grover, and Justin Gilfert; and ten great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters, Rachael Jackson and Millie (Bill) Blauvelt; his brother, Chet (Letha) Mitchell; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his oldest brother, Norman Mitchell and youngest brother, Gilbert Mitchell.

Dick leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, family traditions, and a willingness to help others. He taught his family the value of an honest day’s work, the importance of helping others, and the simple pleasures of spending time together. From long days in the hayfields and winters cutting wood to teaching the next generations to ride horses, these memories will remain a lasting part of his family’s story.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 10am to 11am on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the at the Crosstown Alliance Church, 120 East Honeoye Street, Shinglehouse, where a celebration of life will follow at 11am with Pastor Tim Taylor, officiating. All are invited to a luncheon at the church after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Richard Mitchell Scholarship that will be set up for an Oswayo Valley student pursuing an education at a trade school.  Donations can be sent to Aimee Miller, 577 State Rt 44 N, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Dick’s family entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Dick, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.