Obituaries
Christopher P. Mitchell, 38
Christopher P. Mitchell, 38, formerly of Lititz, passed away on Saturday, July 19 in St. Petersburg, Russia where he had been residing.
Born in Lancaster, he was the son of Cindy L. and James L. Anderson, and Phillip E. and Joni A. Mitchell all of Lititz.
Chris was a self-starter and entrepreneur. He was most recently the Co-founder and Director of the First Federation, which consisted of four offices that distributed beer and water throughout Russia. The company originally specialized in Heineken Beer distribution and later became exclusive Coors Beer distributor. He was also Owner and Director of Baltika Resources, an importing business and started a pretzel factory in his early years in Russia called Cindy M. Prior to that Chris also worked for First Republic rising through the ranks to become Assistant Director. His first work in Russia was as an English Teacher.
Chris graduated from Warwick High School in 1988 where he was Class President. He loved sports and played soccer and wrestled. He graduated from Bucknell University in 1992 with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Russian Language. Chris also graduated from the prestigious St. Petersburg State University of Law in 2004, where all of his oral and written exams were in Russian.
Chris was the proud and adoring father of Elizabeth Christine and husband of Daria Victornva Mitchell. His world revolved around his daughter and his greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his family. Chris also enjoyed traveling the world, learning about other cultures and studying the history of all the areas that he visited. He witnessed the fall of Communism while living in Moscow, Russia. Chris was truly a man who took the path less traveled and was greater for it. While in Russia he attended the Lutheran Church. Chris also enjoyed coming home to the United States to rest, eat, and tell his family stories of where he had been and the unbelievable things that he had done and accomplished. Those moments were loved and cherished and will forever be missed.
In addition to his parents, wife and daughter, Chris is also survived by brothers, Scott, husband of Sarah (Giuliano) Mitchell, Zachary Mitchell, Lucas Mitchell, and a sister Hannah Mitchell all of Lititz; nephews Jack and Nolan Mitchell; maternal grandparents John and Ella Messner and paternal grandmother Lucille Mitchell; and many loving aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, George P. Mitchell Sr. and James and Johanne Shank.
Friends will be received on Sunday from 1:30PM-3PM at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA with the funeral service to follow at 3PM. Interment will be private and at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, Chris’ family requests that contributions be made to the Christopher P. Mitchell Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 726, Lititz, PA 17543, that will be established to benefit Warwick High School graduates. To send an online condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com
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Condolences to the Family
January 24, 2014
I would like to extend my sincere condolence on the loss of your loved one. In the scriptures Job 14:14,15 God promises that he will resurrect our loved ones in the near future. I hope the God of comfort grants you peace.
My sympathy to Chris’ family. I met him in Moscow in the 1990s, when I was writing a book about Americans doing business in the new Russia. Chris became a major figure in my book, largely because of his insights, enthusiasm, humor and can-do attitude. Readers still mention "the Mitchell chapter" to me as a favorite part of the book. He really summed up the spirit of the American entrepreneur opening up new frontiers of business and culture throughout the world.
Tim Harper
Please extend our deepest condolences to Zachary Mitchell on the lost of his brother. Our thoughts are with the entire Mitchell family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The faculty and staff of the Institute of Physical Therapy Education
Widener University
I can still remember Chris from school. Although only attending Warwick with him, he left a lasting impression and won’t be easily forgotten. I would get occasional updates about him through mutual friends about how he was and what he was doing.
Continue to celebrate Chris and all he was.
My sympathy and condolences to the Mitchell family.
Bruce Burkhart
While still in high school, I remember encountering Chris while he was home from college. I asked him what he was majoring in and he says "international relations." After telling him I don’t know what that is, he proceeded to excitedly tell me all about the major and what he could do with a degree in it. I remember walking away thinking "he’s going to have a good life." While my mom read Chris’ obituary over the phone today, I was shocked and saddened by the news of his untimely death. As she continued to read, however, I had to smile…Chris appeared to maintain his passion for life and lived it to its fullest. He is an inspiration to all of us who have the courage to follow our dreams and live a life without regrets. Our thoughts are with you as you mourn the loss of this exceptional person.
Sincerely–Shani (Thielen) Kruljac, Bethany, Chelsey & Sierra Welden, Lisa Wise
I lived with Chris during our sophomore year in college. I still remember countless hours of conversation during that time about music, philosophy and, at the time, his first Russian classes. I could tell even then that Chris was going to chart his own path through this world. And it’s clear that he did exactly that- with great results and success. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Brad Mellinger
Somehow I don’t know what to say, it sure is hard to bury your children before you go. We always think parents are supposed to go first. But I guess God has other plans for us. You sure can be very proud of your son. He sure did accomplish quite a few challenges. You will be in my prayers and any time you need me don’t hesitate I’m here for you.
God Bless You Both !!!!
Love Ya !!
Lou & Elmer
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate Chris’ life and enthusiasm, but also say a much too early farewell.
With sincere sympathy
Edna Haak (from the Brickerville House Shops)
For Scott, and all of Chris’ family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Chris was always able to make people smile, had a great sense of humor, and was very bright. We are glad to read of all of his accomplishments since we knew him in high school. We grieve with you.
Jodi (Musser) Schwartz and Jill (Musser) Starliper
He had such a powerful presence even in high school. I’m amazed, but not surprised to read about his life. Chris, you are unforgettable. To his family, I am so sorry for your loss.
-Jen (Graeber) McCormick
So sorry to read about your loss of Chris. Your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill & Eva McNickle
