​Richard Lawrence Mitchell, 70, formerly of Milford, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025.

Richard Lawrence Mitchell, 70, formerly of Milford, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025. He was born April 14, 1955, in Milford to the late Lawrence and Edna (Brackett) Mitchell.

Richard was a devoted father, loving husband, brother, uncle and proud grandfather to his many grandchildren. He was a true gentleman.

He was a proud lifelong resident of Milford before retiring to Florida. He shared stories of an idyllic childhood growing up on the sands of Fort Trumbull Beach enjoying endless hours of boating, water skiing, fishing, lobstering and loving the salt water life with his brother, Bill, and his many friends.

His lengthy career in the tree care industry began at Aerial Lift of Connecticut quite literally pushing a broom and through sheer effort, determination and natural leadership, rose to become Vice President of the company. He then spent about 10 years with ALTEC Industries and nearly 6 years with The F.A. Bartlett Tree Experts. A respected craftsman and leader, Richard was a member of the Tree Care Industry Association, a proud Mason, and served as Past President of the Connecticut Tree Protective Association - accomplishments that speak to a life built, not inherited.

After retirement, he established a consulting business, RM Consulting, LLC, where he continued to use his knowledge of the tree industry and equipment. He also enjoyed a part-time job at Havana Country Club in The Villages, FL where he worked as a golf course ambassador. Outside of work, he found joy in the simple, genuine parts of life - the beach, a sunset, his grandchildren, a game of bocce with friends or a long bike ride. Friends brought great joy to him - cooking for them, playing games, just sitting around a fire pit talking - it was full of love and lots of laughter. He was also known to enjoy a fine cigar from time to time as well as a nice glass of wine or a special bourbon with "one large rock". He said he considered every one a friend - even in business - never a customer, always a friend. His heart knew no bounds.

Rich is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Rosanne (Ryder) Mitchell. He is also survived by his daughter, Amy (Brendan) Fedigan and his son, Richard (Eleni Kalandranis) Mitchell. Stepsons, Evan (Haley) Owen and Brendan Owen. Grandchildren Liam, Tierney, Seamus, Norah, Hudson, Bodhi, Oaklyn and Kallen. Siblings Marilyn, Bill (Jennifer), Alison (John) Ignatowski and Rodney. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws and extended family.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Laura (Nold) Mitchell.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, a prayer service at 4:30 pm, at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. Internment will be private.

In memory of Richard Mitchell, please consider making a donation to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Checks made payable to Memorial Sloan Kettering Center should be mailed to:

Attn: Community Fundraising

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Office of Development

PO Box 27106

New York, NY 10087

Please indicate on the check memo line that this gift is in memory of Richard Mitchell.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.codywhitefuneralservice.com