William J. Mitchell, 81, of Fairhaven died at home on Monday November 16, 2020 after a brief illness. He was the loving husband of Julia M. (Kelly) Mitchell.
Born in New Bedford, Bill was the son of the late Capt. Alexander Mitchell and Louise (Kruger) Mitchell.
Bill graduated from Holy Family High School where he met his sweetheart of 60 years. Shortly after their marriage, Bill got drafted by the Army and lived in North Carolina until his discharge. He was a very proud veteran. Bill returned to live in New Bedford, Lakeville, East Freetown, and the last 40 years in Fairhaven.
Bill was employed by Hathaway Oil Co. in New Bedford for 24 years. In 1981, he started Mitchell’s Heating Service as an oil burner technician which then grew into Mitchell’s Oil and Heating Service with his sons. This successful family business serviced areas from Westport to Wareham to Lakeville. After selling the business in 2001 to slow down, Bill joined Southcoast Health Care as a medical courier until his retirement.
During his retirement he enjoyed working in his yard, birdwatching, socializing with friends/family and watching sports, especially the Patriots, at Sean’s house. He loved teasing, playing silly jokes and laughing with all who knew him.
Bill was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in New Bedford and also attended St. Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven. He made many lifelong friendships through his dedication to religious services every Sunday.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by three sons, Dr. Michael J. Mitchell and his wife Annie of South Dartmouth, Timothy J. Mitchell and his wife Jean of Raynham, and Sean K. Mitchell and his wife Tracey of Fairhaven; 16 grandchildren, Kevin Mitchell, Paul Mitchell, Daniel Mitchell, Michael Mitchell, Marquita Bufkin, Rebecca McClary, Mark Mitchell, Mari Mitchell, Alexander Mitchell, TJ Mitchell, Katherine Mitchell, Cory Mitchell, Max Mitchell, Jason Neves, Tyler Neves, and Riley Canha; 12 great-grandchildren; five brothers, Frederick Mitchell and Thomas Mitchell, both of Dartmouth, Stephen Mitchell of Venice, FL, James Mitchell of New Bedford and Charles Mitchell of Fairhaven; several nieces and nephews; and his grand-dog, Bella (Big Girl).
He was also the father of the late Kevin T. Mitchell.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s memory to: (St Jude Children’s Research Hospital)
www.Stjude.org - Re: Dedicate my donation. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Please visit saundersdwyer.com to sign guestbook, and send condolences to the family.