Gary E. Mitchell, 73

RICHMOND, Mass. — Gary E. Mitchell, 73, of Richmond, died Saturday morning, March 9, 2019, at Craneville Place in Dalton with his loving family by his side.

Born on January 9, 1946, in Lynn, Mass., to the late Robert and Hilda Conley Mitchell, he attended Bourne High School and was a 1966 graduate. After high school, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1968.

Gary attended Springfield Technical Community College, where he earned his Associate's Degree in Law Enforcement. After graduation, Gary worked as police officer in the Springfield Police Department for 17 years, ending his career as a lieutenant in the narcotics unit.  He was the Chief of Police in the Richmond Police Department and also worked in the West Stockbridge and Sheffield Police Departments. 

Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing, rock collecting and playing cards, and could always be found exploring the outdoors. He was a communicant of the Richmond Congregational Church.

Besides his wife, Gary leaves his children, Bruce Mitchell, Michael Mitchell, Andrew Mitchell, Chelsea Mach and Jake Mitchell; four grandchildren; and his siblings, Robert Mitchell Jr., Jan Schiering, Dianne Lebsock and Gail Schavrien.

Funeral notice: The funeral service for Mr. Gary Mitchell will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2019, at 10 a.m. at the Richmond Congregations Church, State Road, Richmond, Mass.  Burial will be held in the Spring in Center Cemetery in Richmond. 

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, Mass. Donations in Gary's memory may be made to either the Richmond Congregational Church or the Alzheimer's Association, both in care of the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Craneville Place of Dalton, Unit 1, for their unending love and support in Gary's final weeks.