LACONIA ---- Warren Neal Mitchell passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Concord Hospital in Laconia after an unexpected illness, with his beloved daughters at his side.
Warren was born on May 17, 1938, at Lakes Region General Hospital to Clifton Mitchell and Hazel (Neal) Mitchell.
Warren married Janet (Stafford) on November 26, 1960. This was the start of a life that Warren often said he could never have imagined. Warren could fix anything, and part of their love story began when Janet walked to Alton to have him fix a pair of candlesticks. He knew then he was in for a life filled with constant surprises and many blessings. Married for almost 64 years, he was always so thankful that she made that hike to Alton on a beautiful fall day.
Warren loved spending time with his large family and took great joy in watching them thrive and grow. His son-in-law Jeff and his grandson Ben became the sons he never had—and they certainly have stories to prove it. Both learned the right way to drive a truck, plow snow, and more.
After retirement, Warren was affectionately known as the “Lawn Ranger,” the “Plow Guy,” and the “Pool Keeper,” and he took great pride in keeping the compound pristine in every season.
He was a graduate of Laconia High School, Class of 1957, but remained close with
many classmates throughout his life. Shortly after high school, he served in the Army National Guard while running a full-service station in Alton and volunteering as a fireman. This marked the beginning of his lifelong career with George C. Stafford & Sons, Stafford Oil Company, and Laconia Tavern Corporation. He worked his way up through the ranks—mechanic, oil deliverer, service technician, and dispatcher—eventually becoming a partner alongside his brother-in-law, Charlie Stafford. They complimented each other well and continued to build a successful family business that continues to thrive today.
Warren was an avid motorcyclist and loved antique cars. There are pictures of him as young as two years old riding on a motorcycle with his father. He owned many
motorcycles, but his favorite was always a Harley. His father had him working on
engines at a young age and by adulthood he had become a skilled mechanic. He loved ice racing in his younger years and often laughed about spending all week working on a car, only to blow it up on the weekend.
Warren loved telling stories and had a special way of bringing them to life for friends and family. A bit of a daredevil, it was never surprising to see him tearing across the compound on a dirt bike or four-wheeler. He enjoyed his coffee gatherings, car shows, and motorcycle rides. Some of his favorite adventures included traveling cross-country with Janet in their motorhome, hauling motorcycles to Sturgis with Ben, and making multiple trips to Captiva with friends and family.
There was always an antique car or a project in Warren’s garage. He loved working on cars and attending shows with his fellow PALS members. He was a longtime member of the Masons, Scottish Rite, and Bektash Shrine, but was most active as a Kiwanian.
Whether it was the bike safety rodeo, working the food trailer, or hauling the Harley for raffle events, he was always involved. Hands down, his favorite activity was taking his grandchildren to the Kiwanis Christmas party.
Warren is survived by his daughters, Carrington and her husband Jeff Pearson, and
Jennifer Mitchell; his grandchildren Benjamin and his wife Jennifer, Brooke and her husband Mike Flathers, Oksana Pearson, Katherine Pearson, Maggie Mitchell and her fiancé Kyle Leighton. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Charlie Stafford and his wife Bette, his sister-in-law Grace Stafford, his niece Kelly Normand and her husband Tom, and his nephews Ty Tyer, Todd Tyer and his wife Amy, Chris Stafford and his wife Kathy, and Curtis Stafford and his wife Brigitte.
He also leaves behind six great-grandsons—Theodore and Thomas Pearson, Zeke and Jack Flathers, and Lucas and Logan Pearson—and one great-granddaughter, Cara Flathers. We know he will be watching over all of them, fostering a love for anything with an engine.
He was predeceased by his wife, Janet Mitchell; his sister, Peggy Tyer; and his
youngest grandson, Jake Pearson.
The family would like to thank the caring and dedicated staff in the ICU at Concord Hospital in Laconia for the exceptional care. Warren spent nearly a month in the hospital and ironically, the last time he had stayed overnight in a hospital was the day he was born there. He formed many connections with the staff and spoke often of the excellent care he received.
Per Warren’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.
A memorial service for Warren and his grandson Jake Pearson, who passed shortly
before him, will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. James Episcopal Church, 2238 Parade Road, Laconia. If parking at the church is full, guests are encouraged to park at the family home just past the church on the left. Transportation and a walking path will be available. Please note there is no parking on Route 106/Parade Road.
For those unable to attend, a livestream of the service will be available on YouTube: Here is the link https://youtube.com/live/bEbEayV4BpI
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Warren’s memory to the Belknap House, 200 Court Street, Laconia, NH 03246 www.belknaphouse.org This is an amazing organization that empowers families to become self-sufficient and independent by providing them with education and access to community services.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.