Rodney T. Mitchell, age 66, of 681 Bagdad Road, Waterford, died Saturday, November 3, 2012 at UPMC Hamot. He was born in Erie on March 23, 1946, and was married to Nancy L. Boyd on February 8, 1969.
Rod worked in the hardwood and lumber manufacturing business all of his life. Since 1987, he partnered with his son, Brian, to own and operate Mitchell Hardwoods in Waterford. He was very much an outdoorsman, enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and playing golf. Many would agree, though, that his number one priority was his family– being a devoted husband, a great dad, and a terrific grandpa. He certainly loved his grandchildren and was very involved in their activities.
In addition to his wife, Nancy, Rod is survived by a son, Brian R. Mitchell of Waterford and his friend Lisa Leube; a daughter, Rhonda R. Napier and her husband Chris of Cary, NC; four grandchildren, Briana and Shelby Mitchell, and Ryan and Tyler Napier; a nephew, Steve Mitchell Jr. and his family of Erie; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Keith Troyer of Union City and their families.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be there Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Patrick Lenox. Interment will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Stancliff Hose Company in Waterford, or DaVita Dialysis of Erie.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sincerely Jim Wade
Rhonda, Nancy and Brian,
I am so sorry for your loss. Love and Miss you all. Your dad was awesome, will never forget our times in WV with him.
You are all in my prayers,
Ashley, Joey and Logan
Dear Family,
I am sorry about your loss. We are thinking of you! I have met Mr. Mitchell a few times but I know what a great family he is leaving behind.
Our prayers are with you.
Nicole, Fernando, Gabriel and Nicolas Morales- Cary NC
Dear Nancy and family, I am very sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. My sincere prayer
is that the Lord will comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Jim Boyd – Phoenix, AZ
The Mitchell family has lost a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and we have lost a dear good friend.
Whenever I think of Rod, I’ll always remember the times we stayed over at each other’s house when we were young and the times we went hunting. Bud & Marilyyn spent a lot of time together with my parents and I have many fond memories of those days.
Please know that we consider ourselves blessed to have been a good friend over the years. You surely know you have our deepest sympathy and our love as well.
Dennis & Lynn Kudlak
Brian we are so sorry to here about your Dad.
Nancy, Brian and Rhonda,
I amd so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. We’ve known each other for years and I know he will be sadly missed by his family and friends. May God give you the comfort and strength you need.
Take Care and God Bless……Vicki
Dear Family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. I personally did not know Rodney but he sounds like a great man and will be missed very much. In times like these we often wonder why God allows suffering and death to continue when he has the power to change it. The bible gives satisfying answers to questions about death. At John 5:28,29 it says: He is going to call all those out of the memorial tombs to a resurrection of live. You will be able to see Rodney again! God promises this to happen in the very near future. If you have more questions please email me at: kellz192@yahoo.com
Sincerely, Kelly Konyha