Gary H. Mitchell, 85

October 23, 1939 - June 15, 2025

Gary H. “Mitch” Mitchell passed in comfort and peace on June 15, 2025, Father’s Day, at the age of 85. He was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on October 23, 1939 to Hubert and Thelma Mitchell. Having been raised in Silver Spring, working on the farm taught him the importance of hard work and sparked his love for the outdoors, with hunting becoming one of his favorite pastimes.

Gary’s love for baseball began in childhood, when his grandfather would take him by train to Yankee Stadium. He went on to play baseball at Hempfield High School and during his time in the Air Force. In later years, he gave back to the sport by umpiring and coaching both boys’ and girls’ teams at St. Leo’s. Whether watching games, attending them with family, or cheering on his beloved Yankees, baseball remained a constant source of joy throughout his life.

In 1961, he married Barbara Jean Broich also of Silver Spring, Pennsylvania. And for the next 64 years together, they raised three children, three grandchildren, and was blessed with two great grand-daughters. Ensuring the well-being of his family was a constant commitment and priority for him.

Professionally, Gary passed the CPA exam in 1965 and built a diverse career in accounting. He worked for several firms, operated his own private practice, and held positions with various businesses. In semi-retirement, he provided consulting services for former clients and mentored younger accountants.

Gary used his accounting skills to serve the community in various capacities including volunteering with the Lions Club, the Masons, and the Lancaster Catholic High School’s Athletic Association. Additionally, he served on the Zoning Hearing Board and as West Hempfield Township Supervisor.

When he became a grandfather, he found his heart and energy poured into his grandchildren. He became the “bus-stop Pop-Pop” and was always willing to drive for activities and school, enjoying the opportunity to be with his grandchildren. If you asked him how he was doing, he would recite the accomplishments of his grandchildren as his response.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by his children: Donna Elaine Finegold and her husband Paul (West Palm Beach, FL), Keith Patrick Mitchell and his wife Maria Navea (Lititz), and Michele Lynn Irwin and her husband Mark (Lancaster) and grandchildren: Morgan Ashley Foor and her husband Wes (Charlestown, WV), James Patrick (Philadelphia, PA), and Margaret “Maggie” (Wayne, PA); great-grandchildren: Evelyn and Emilia; his sister Jean Haller (Lancaster) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Patrick, brother-in-law Paul, and nephew Doug.

He was full of catch phrases that he would often use to express his view of any life situation. From “say goodnight folks” to “God don’t make no junk”.

He was a man of few words, but you always knew where he stood.

So, as he would say, “And the beat goes on…”

A private graveside service will be held for his close family.

Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions in Gary’s memory can be made to Masonic Village Hospice, 98 Masonic Drive, Suite 101, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

The family thanks you for your love and support during this time of remembrance.