Timothy E. Mitchell, 70, of New Bedford died unexpectedly on Saturday December 4, 2021.
Tim was a lifelong resident of New Bedford and communicant of St. James Church in New Bedford. For 45 years, he was the most loving and committed husband of Mary (Lowney) Mitchell that a man could be. Additionally, his life's work was to care and provide for his children Martha Mitchell of Norwood, MA, Daniel Mitchell and his wife Julia (Parodi) of Manchester, NH, and Matthew Mitchell and his wife Adrianne (Deveau) of New Bedford MA. For a man who it seemed could not love anymore, his love reached a new level for his grandchildren; "His Girls" Clare and Nora Mitchell of Manchester, NH, and "His Buddy" Breckin Mitchell of New Bedford, MA.
Tim was predeceased by his parents Sylvester "Buddy" Mitchell and Kathleen (O'Brien) Mitchell of New Bedford, his sister Sheila Washburn (who we assume is waiting for him to resume their daily breakfasts together), and his brother Lawrence Mitchell. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Tim also leaves behind his sister Sr. Maureen Mitchell, RSM of Cumberland, RI, brothers David Mitchell of Honolulu, HI, and Daniel Mitchell of Erie, PA, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family.
When Tim made the decision to get involved in something he did so with his whole heart and a level of commitment that was unmatched. During his life he served countless students as a math teacher at New Bedford High School and King Philip Regional High School, serving both schools as the Mathematics Department Chair. Most recently he was continuing his passion for teaching at Bridgewater State University.
When it came to his service to his church, he took over where his father left off, serving Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church in many capacities. He was a lector, Eucharistic Minister, parish council member, BINGO coordinator, member of the Third Order of St. Francis, and recently the director of Religious Education. He was honored for his service through the reception of the Marian Medal from the Diocese of Fall River. Many priests and pastors came through the church during his life, but for many Timmy was a constant and reliable presence in the life of the church and their lives. He was an example for all of a life of faith in service and action.
Between his service to his family, his church, and his profession there were only a few minutes left in the week, but Tim found a way to use it to serve other causes as well. He was a board member of St. Anne Credit Union, Serra Club, and other service opportunities. Most recently he found great joy in working with the Wareham Gatemen Cape Cod Baseball Team.
The family is comforted to know that even in his death, Tim was able to continue his life of service though organ donation.
The family won't ever know how many people Tim impacted through his presence, his service, and his life, but they know it is great and vast. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, serve in some way, enjoy a good breakfast at a diner, sign up to be an organ donor, or do a deed in his name.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday Dec. 10th at 10 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church, with his family receiving visitors at church from 9-10 AM. Visiting hours will also be held on Thursday Dec. 9th from 3-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For those unable to attend in person, the Funeral Mass will be streamed live at: https://www.facebook.com/OurLadyOfGuadalupeParishAtStJamesChurch/. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.