Born in Biddeford on Aug. 25, 1936, Mitch graduated from Biddeford High School in 1954 and Husson College in 1958. He taught at Valley Regional High School in Deep River, Connecticut, where he met his “first wife” Diane, who was “wicked lucky.”
Famous for his work ethic, he was committed to harassing his five children about the importance of showing up for work on time every day and never calling in sick. While they never call in sick, only three of them are on time. The other two are often heard saying, “Don’t tell Dad.”
He retired after 40 years of (on time) work at Harvard Management Co. as an accountant, manager, partner and, for many, mentor. Famous for his Mitch-isms, his quick wit and odd sense of humor have left a legacy of always finding a spot for a one-liner to lighten the mood… even if inappropriate. He was known for his sayings: “Everything is somewhere,” “Did you meet anyone you like better than yourself?”, “That’s a tribe-sized portion,” “delicate and lady-like” and “I don’t want to start any trouble, but…”
He loved old houses, DIY projects, antique shows, watching his kids in their activities, spending time with his family, and playing matchmaker and career counselor. He was a devoted husband who cherished his wife and family, and will be sorely missed by everyone.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Cecilia Descoteaux.
He is survived by: his wife, Diane, of Wakefield, Massachusetts; three daughters,
Michelle Berard and husband Bruce of Biddeford, Rachel Woolbert and husband James of Wilmington, Massachusetts, and Sarah Popovics and husband Peter of Wakefield; two sons, Sam and wife Sandy of South Glastonbury, Connecticut, and Steven of Sandwich, Massachusetts; a brother, John and wife Barbara of Standish; grandchildren Matthew, Abigail, Ethan, Nicholas, Ella, Jillian and Maya; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Visitation for relatives and friends will be held 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield. A funeral will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Florence Church, 47 Butler Ave., Wakefield.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741- 5014.
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