Obituary of David James Mitchell

David James Mitchell David James Mitchell passed away unexpectedly on January 21, 2024, at his home in Millcreek. He was 78 years of age. David’s family is deeply saddened by his sudden death. Born September 27, 1945, David is survived by his son, Christopher David Mitchell of Nashville, TN, his sister, Susan (Penny) Mitchell of Baldwinville, MA, his brother, Dr. Michael Mitchell of Sinclairville, NY, and grandsons Zachary Schurdell and Nikolai Starr of Florida and Ohio, respectively. David is also loved and remembered by several nieces and nephews and their respective families, including Devin Mitchell of Sinclairville, NY, April Mitchell Foster of Providence, RI, Alexander Bangtson of Wakefield, MA, James (Nicholas) Bangtson of Spencer, MA, Christian Bangtson of the Bronx, NY, Frederick Crosby of Austin, TX, and Channing Crosby of Templeton, MA, as well as a number of loyal friends and extended family members. David was predeceased by his father, James F. Mitchell, in 2004, by his mother, Fae V. Mitchell, in 2020, and by his daughter, Elizabeth Anne Starr, in 2012.David was born September 27, 1945, in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Erie and was a member of McDowell High School’s graduating class of 1963. David was an Evans Scholar, and graduated from Ohio State University in 1967. He lived in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, for many years and was employed by State Farm Insurance as a claims superintendent. After retiring from State Farm in 2003, David subsequently resided in Lakewood, NY, spent winters on Ono Island, Alabama, and lived for a time in Cambridge, MA, before returning to Erie in 2020.David had a life-long passion for reading, and was a student of history. There was rarely a topic, current or historical, about which he could not, if asked, provide thoughtful insight. He knew a little something about so many things that one dared not play Trivial Pursuit with him, as he would “crush” any and all opponents. David was also a consummate card player and consistently won, irrespective of the card game. David enjoyed British television, and particularly parodies. He shared the Brits’ dry sense of humor. His own witty observations were perceptive and razor-sharp. David also enjoyed walking, especially on the Peninsula. He walked two to three miles each day, weather permitting. He sometimes walked alone, and sometimes with friends, but always enjoyed the ramble. David was an animal lover, and had a special affinity for dogs. Throughout his adult life, he generally had one or two pups at his side. When his last two long-time companions, Harry and Sally, passed on, he did not have the heart to replace them. He instead got his dog “fix” by walking dogs from local animal shelters. David was a wonderful brother and friend, and a dear family member. Caring, funny and intelligent, he will be forever loved, and his presence in our lives forever missed. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements were handled by the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. Erie, PA 16506. Donations may be made in David’s honor to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).