1917-2014
With great sadness, the family of Richard Gerald Mitchell announce his passing on Sunday, April 27, 2014, six days after celebrating his 97th birthday.
Beloved husband of Julia McGaughey. Gerald and Julia were married in 1941 and enjoyed more than 72 years together. He died at home on Walthen Drive, in the house where they raised their seven children.
Much loved by his family: Gerald (Sheila), Morgan (Rose), Regan (Colette), David (Merilyn), Julia (Claude Parent), John (Claire Nantes), Mary (Al Dowling). Memories of "Pop" will always be cherished by his 23 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister and best friend, Marion Mitchell; sister-in-law, Mary McAllister; brother-in-law, Morgan McGaughey (Sylvia); and many nieces and nephews. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Loretta (Fitzgerald); sisters and brothers-in-law, Marjorie and Frank O'Keefe, Betty and Gordon McWade, Mary and Lou Hennessey and Donald McAllister.
A veteran of the Second world War, Pte. Mitchell served overseas with the 1st Infantry Division, and after being assigned to the 4th Field Army, 1st Brigade, experienced battlefield activity in Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. After the war, he was employed as a locomotive engineer with the CNR, operating trains from one end of the Island to the other until his retirement in 1979. A man of great physical strength, yet a kinder, more gentle soul you could never meet. He was a person of strong faith, a supporter of the right to life and a devoted member of St. Dunstan's Basilica parish. Gerald had a passion for band music, having been a member of the League of the Cross Band, the Military Band and the Charlottetown Seniors' Band.
Resting at Hennessey Funeral Home, with visitation on Wednesday, April 30, 5-8 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Dunstan's Basilica on Thursday, May 1, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in the Roman Catholic Cemetery. Charlottetown Branch #1 of the Royal Canadian Legion will hold a Veteran's Tribute Service at the funeral home on Wednesday at 4:45 p.m.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to P.E.I. Right to Life Association or St. Dunstan's Basilica Restoration Fund would be appreciated.
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