C. Robert “Bob” Mitchell

C. Robert “Bob” Mitchell, 87, a resident of South Attleboro, MA for the past 15 years and a snowbird in Fort Myers, FL for the past five years, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2019 in Cape Coral, FL. He was born December 2, 1932 in Warwick, RI to Clarence and Dorothy Mitchell, now deceased.

Bob was of the Christian faith and was also a Veteran of the United States Navy.  Bob was 1951 graduate of Gorton High School in Warwick, RI, where he followed an agricultural course which served him well throughout his adult life.  After high school he joined the United States Navy Seabees, serving four years in the Philippines learning his trade as a heavy equipment operator working on the construction of Clark Air Base and received an Honorable Discharge in 1956.

He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers local 57, from 1957 to 2019.   He was self-employed from 1964 thru 1996. 

As a Sea Captain where he took reporters out to cover the America’s Cup races off Newport RI. He took part in the Tuna Tournament off the Rhode Island coast.  His love of the sea and boats started as a youngster while living in the Oakland Beach area of Warwick RI.

He had a pilot’s licensed and enjoyed flying with friends to Block Island RI for breakfast. He would take his mom on flights over the Scituate Reservoir to view the fall foliage.   He also worked with a friend flying air freight.

He drove the #71 race car at Seekonk Speedway during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

A few years ago, he drove a Petty car on Daytona Speedway. 

Later in life he took up ballroom dancing, his favorite dance was the waltz, followed by the Rumba and swing dances.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years, Carol J. Willis of Fort Myers, FL and South Attleboro, MA; children, Robert Mitchell (Donna) of Warwick, RI, and Kenny Mitchell of Warwick, RI; stepchildren, Cathy Holden of Suwannee, GA, and Alison Najjar (Jerry) of Mansfield, MA; brother, Herbert Warren Mitchell (Nancy) of Alton Bay, NH; thirteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in MA at a later date.

Memorial Contributions in memory of C. Robert “Bob” Mitchell are suggested to The Great Dane Rescue of New England, PO BOX 100083, Cranston, RI 02910.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.