Gary A. Mitchell

Gary (Red) Mitchell, 84, passed away peacefully at home on December 31, 2024, after a long courageous battle with chronic kidney disease. He was surrounded by his loving family and is now reunited with his wife, Rita, and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Gary was born in Keeseville, NY, on December 11, 1940, to Geraldine (Fitzgerald) and Donald Mitchell. His family moved to Mineville, NY, shortly after his birth for work in the iron ore mines.
Gary married his high school sweetheart, Rita Coburn, on September 27, 1959, in Port Henry, NY. They shared nearly 60 years of marriage before Rita passed away from Alzheimer's on April 18, 2019. The care Gary gave Rita during her illness was a testament to his patience, love, and unwavering devotion.
Gary’s happiest moments were spent traveling with Rita in their Toyota motorhome, riding around on their Honda Helix scooter, boating on Lincoln Pond, and being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 
Gary began his career as a teenager working for the Grand Union in Port Henry. After marrying, he and Rita moved to Albany, where Gary attended college and Rita worked at Montgomery Ward. They later returned to Mineville, and Gary resumed working for Grand Union. He was promoted quickly and transferred to Middlebury, VT, then to manage a new store in Poultney, VT, at just 25 years old. Gary would often tell about his first trip to Poultney, where he had to stop for directions, having never been there before.
After several years, Gary pursued his dream of owning his own business, buying the VT State Liquor Agency and Store on Main Street in Poultney, which he later expanded to include groceries and a deli. He also opened a discounted bakery outlet in Hampton, NY, called the Bakery Bargain Box.
Gary and Rita were lifelong entrepreneurs, never shying away from new ventures. In 1978, Gary took a chance on a little known Southern snack product—Little Debbie Snack Cakes. Gary would proudly tell how he and his son, Doug, became the first independent distributors in NY, VT, and NH. After many years selling snack cakes store to store, Gary later became District Sales Manager for the company, retiring in 1999, where he received numerous awards and accolades for his dedication and success with the company.
After retirement, Gary and Rita traveled extensively in their motorhome, exploring the western U.S. and Mexico, which they considered the best years of their lives. They built their dream log cabin home on Lincoln Pond, where they enjoyed many happy years. Gary soon joined Rita in her real estate business, obtaining his broker's license and specializing in properties around Lincoln Pond. He also drove a school bus for Elizabethtown/Lewis Central School for a few years.
Gary and Rita’s strong Christian faith was evident in their kindness, love, and charitable nature, impacting all who met them.
Gary and Rita shared a wonderful relationship with all of their cherished grandchildren, but there was a particularly strong bond with Elizabeth. She spent many weeks during her childhood summers at their cabin on Lincoln Pond and made it a point to stop by daily during her lunch break or after work to visit. Elizabeth was also a devoted and loyal caregiver to both Gary and Rita during their time of need.
We would like to thank all of the great staff and support at the Elizabethtown Community Hospital and High Peaks Hospice for their kindness and care for Gary. As well as all of the family and friends in the community that visited and offered a helping hand.
He is survived by his sister, Joan Gray of Keeseville, NY; son, Douglas Mitchell (Christina) of Elizabethtown, NY; daughter, Bonnie Mitchell of Elizabethtown, NY; five grandchildren: Maghan Wolson (Ahren) of Mineville, NY; Elizabeth Terry (Artie Starke) of Keeseville, NY; Mitchell Terry of Redford, NY; Daniel Mitchell (Kelly) of Queensbury, NY; and Andrew Mitchell (Abigail) of Lake George, NY; and three great-granddaughters: Nora Wolson, Opal Wolson, and Ruth Mitchell. 
Gary is predeceased by his wife, Rita (Coburn) Mitchell; his parents; and his brothers, James and Billy Mitchell. 
Funeral arrangements will be handled by Harland Funeral Home of Port Henry. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18th, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the United Church of Christ located at 7580 Court St., Elizabethtown with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gary’s honor to High Peaks Hospice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary A. Mitchell, please visit our floral store.