Darrell George Mitchell Obituary (1948 - 2017)

There are men in this world who are larger than life, who light up a room, and who simultaneously make the people who surround them strive to be better people because you can't help but take on part of that energy. Darrell George Mitchell was that person and on September 27, 2017, he concluded his journey to the Lord. Those who knew him would say that it is rare to meet a man whose benevolence and charity came more naturally. A man who loved deeply those who surrounded him and who met each of life's challenges head on, even towards the end of his time on earth. Husband, father, Giddoo, son, brother, friend, leader, laugh-maker, believer--generally, so much to so many. More likely than not, one would find Darrell with a smile on his face and would leave his presence with laughter still fresh on the lips. Born November 13, 1948, in Lewiston, Maine, under the hearts of his loving parents, George H. and Sadie M. (Joseph) Mitchell, Darrell has proudly been a life-long "Mainer". On April 12, 1986, Darrell married the love of his life, Donna-Jo and for 31 years their deeply cherished friendship and love not only endured, but grew stronger. Those who witnessed the strength of Darrell's love of Donna-Jo and his children had the joy of understanding that a person can never love too deeply or too much. A man surrounded by strong women--including Donna-Jo, Nina, Nikki, Kira, Ava, Lydia, and Joan--Darrell was a stead-fast supporter in making dreams realities and in consistently reminding those he loved of their worth and value. Darrell's gregarious personality also made him a man who experienced a multitude of success in his career. Living in Waterville the vast majority of his life, Darrell ran the family business, English Club Beverages, as the last independent bottler in the state of Maine. Additionally, he worked in numerous industries before starting Mitchell Management & Consultants which helped businesses meet ISO 9000 quality guidelines. Darrell used his wide ranging skills to guide New Balance's Norridgewock production and ended his professional career as Business Manager for MSAD #54's school system in 2014. He was supported by a steadfast community both locally and abroad who could make him laugh until tears streamed down his face. Surviving family include his wife, Donna-Jo (Gottardi) Mitchell, his children, Kira Mitchell, Major Eric Mitchell and wife, Kate Mitchell, Tim Mitchell, Nicole Mitchell Libby and husband, Lance Libby, and his special little angel, Nina Rose Mitchell. Giddoo loved his grandchildren, Ava and Lydia Libby and Ryder and Brady Mitchell as well as brothers, David Goulet and Michael Violette, niece Jessica Bolduc, nephew Peter Violette, and mother-in-law, Joan Gottardi. The family extends heartfelt thanks to well-wishers throughout Darrell's journey and to Hospice for their attentive care. While Darrell has left us in body, he is still with us in spirit. We welcome you to a time of gathering and visitation on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 from 2 - 4 pm and 6 - 8 pm at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. Liturgy of the Faithful Departed with be celebrated at St. Joseph's Maronite Church on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at 10 am. Arrangements are under the care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com