Brian Mitchell, a joy filled servant was called to heaven on June 11, 2020. Besides being a dedicated husband and father, he was a Deacon at St. Monica Catholic Church, President of Mitchell Technical Sales, Catholic Foundation Trustee, numerous finance boards and an avid golfer and tennis partner.
After his childhood on Long Island, Brian attended St. Bonaventure University and U of Detroit and earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. His passion for things both 'aero' and 'nautical' was evident in his love of Caribbean sailing, enjoying lakeside entertaining, and success in the HVAC industry. Any boat and breeze would work!
In 1962, he married Sharon, who shared his profound love of God and family. Together, their gentle influence and constant loving example have been a beautiful gift of God's love to their children, their children's spouses, grandchildren, and every friend and stranger.
Brian truly loved to serve others. Because he believed that service is the ultimate act of love, he thought of it as a joy rather than work. Brian was an active leader and volunteer in The Catholic Foundation, Downtown Serra Club, Knights of Columbus, St. Monica Finance board, The Missionaries of Charity Dallas, soccer and basketball coach and countless other ways that impacted the community and individuals.
In all pursuits, Brian made friends, made things happen, helped people see a greater future, a greater Power, a greater purpose, and so feel a greater bond with one another and with the Divine. Through his generosity and kindness, he built bridges between people and between this world and the next. One of his favorite lines was "Don't sweat the small stuff and next to your relationship to God, it's all small stuff."
Brian was predeceased by his parents: Robert and Mary Hartnett Mitchell, his son Danny Mitchell, and his siblings: Bob, Ann, Barry, Jim, Eddie, Mary Jane and Gerry. Brian is survived by Sharon, his wife of 57 years, and their four children: Maureen (Joe Hafertepe), Molly (John McHugh), Pat (Tracy) Mitchell, Brian (Jen) Mitchell; 13 grandchildren: Tara (Nick Kennedy), Chelsea, Heidi, Joey, Nick, Mitch, Katie, Ryan, Mac, Megan, Mandy, Sadie, and Linus; and 1 great-grandchild: Forrest Kennedy.
Our family wishes to express our deepest appreciation and thanks to our extended family, priests and deacons, friends, and community for their love, friendship, and support as we celebrate the joyous life and the sudden, but ultimately wondrous transition of Brian.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at St. Monica Catholic Church in Dallas. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2020 at St. Monica Catholic Church, 9933 Midway Road Dallas, Texas 75220, with the Most Reverend Gregory Kelly Celebrant and priests of the Diocese of Dallas as concelebrants. Deacons from the Diocese will assist. Interment will follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Dallas. |