Jerome Mitchell

With a sad and heavy heart, The Mitchell family announces the passing of our father, Jerome “Jerry” Leroy Mitchell, on April 14, 2018 at the age of 89.

Born in Erie, PA, Jerome was the 10^th out of 11 children, born to Lebanese immigrant parents who instilled in him the importance of family and education. Jerome graduated from Cathedral Prep High School and enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard. His unit was mobilized following the invasion of South Korea by the North, and Dad, with a philosophy centered on "fighting with the best," volunteered for Airborne school and Ranger training.  Earning a Ranger tab was one of the highlights of his life.  He was assigned to the elite 12th Company Rangers (Airborne).  True to the Ranger’s motto of “Follow Me,” Jerome took on life at full speed. Upon his honorable discharge, he went on to earn a degree from Gannon University of Pennsylvania.

The one thing in life Jerome held most dear was family. The Mitchell family home on east 6^th Street was legendary for being the center of gravity for treating friends as extended family members. Bursting with activity, the Mitchell family front door was always open, and friends soon became family, and strangers became friends[ . He carried this sense of family throughout his life.

Jerome met Helen, the love of his life, and they were fortunate to have over 55 years together. Raising three daughters and a son was not an easy task with kids running in all directions, but Jerry and Helen handled it as a team. Jerome took time out to help others and quietly inspired those around him through selfless example. Many of his children’ nights home from college break were spent with their friends around the kitchen table with Jerry telling stories and speaking his words of wisdom. Everyone looked up to “Mr. Mitch” for advice. 

Jerome is survived by his son, Michael Mitchell (Karen) of Washington, DC; and his daughters, Laura Mitchell Stamp (Marcus) of Charlottesville, VA.; Monica Mitchell DiBella (Roberto) of Washington, DC, and Ruth Mitchell of Chicago, IL, along with many grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Dawn Levin, of Tennessee, who remains as the matriarch of the family.

Friends may call at Burton Funeral Home, 602 West 10th Street, on Saturday, April 21 from 10:00 am to 12:30 p.m., followed by a mass of Christian burial at St. Peter's Cathedral, 230 W. 10th St., at 1:00 pm. Burial immediately following at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

We were so fortunate to have you, Jerome, in our lives  for so long. Those seeking to remember his gentle soul can offer an act of kindness—large or small—to a friend or stranger.

In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted in memory of Jerome Mitchell to The Army Distaff Foundation, a 501(c)3 charity that cares for veterans living at the Knollwood Military Retirement Community.  Please visit  www.armydistaff.org.  Additionally, donations can be made to Operation Homefront, www.operationhomefront.org. 

Rest easy, Dad. You will always be remembered and loved