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WILLIAM MITCHELL Obituary

MITCHELL, William A. "Bill" Of Quincy, recently retired General Counsel of the MBTA and member of the MBTA Retirement Board, passed away Friday, March 23, 2012, surrounded by loving family and friends. In a long and distinguished career dedicated to public service, Mr. Mitchell served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for more than three decades. Mr. Mitchell had a prominent career in law that stemmed from his interest in history and government, subjects he taught at Broad Meadows Junior High School where he was also a coach. A graduate of Quincy High School, Bridgewater State College and Suffolk University Law School, Bill was admitted to the bar in 1976. The following year, he was appointed Assistant Attorney General by Attorney General Francis X. Bellotti. He became the chief of the building construction section, and went on to be the Chief of the Civil Bureau. He also was the Chairman of the Contributory Retirement Appeals Board (CRAB). He continued as Civil Bureau Chief with Attorneys General James Shannon and Scott Harshbarger. Bill moved to private practice with Cosgrove, Eisenberg and Kiley where he practiced civil and criminal litigation. In 1995, Mitchell was appointed General Counsel of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, where he would serve under five Governors, ten Secretaries of Transportation, and six MBTA General Managers. In August of 2009, Mitchell began serving as interim General Manager of the nation's fifth largest transit system. In March of 2010, Mitchell resumed his role as General Counsel, and continued in that capacity until his retirement this year. Mr. Mitchell had many interests, foremost of which was golf of which he was a student extraordinaire. He was a founding member of Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy, and the MFIC's. He traveled extensively with his family and friends and the Kileys to Ireland, South Africa, England, Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii and throughout the United States. Mr. Mitchell's greatest passion by far was his family, his children were his greatest joy. Beloved husband of Corinne F. (Donovan) Mitchell, loving and devoted father of Courtney Mitchell of Quincy and Michael Mitchell of Los Angles and Quincy. Brother of Marcia McCarthy and her husband, James Galvin of Quincy, Doris Seroll and her husband, Bill of Scituate, and the late Kevin Mitchell and Brian Mitchell. Brother-in-law of Kathleen Mitchell Gill of Quincy. Loving "Papa Billy" of LeeAnne and Kaarlo Maki , Kevin Mitchell, Colleen and John Ballerino, John McCarthy and Leah Janus, Kim and Pete Luizzi, Scott and Vanessa Seroll Lauren Seroll, and Amanda Mitchell. Lifelong friend of Thomas and Kathleen Kiley and their family, and cherished friend of many others. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Friday 3-8 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday at 9 a.m. prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Ann's Church, 757 Hancock Street, Quincy at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. In lieu of flowers Donations to the Massachusetts General Hospital in memory of William A. Mitchell, Development Office, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114 to support research for pancreatic cancer and the care of patients suffering from the disease. Call 1 800 Keohane or see www.keohane.com for directions and online condolences

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Mar. 27 to Mar. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM MITCHELL

Sponsored by The Mitchell Family.

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Ed MacLellan

March 22, 2021

He was a great guy! I was lucky to know him and considered him a friend.

steve kramer

March 21, 2020

During these crazy times when we are quarantined due to the virus, I'd simply say that if there were anyone who would have made this process less stressful and found a way to cheer up people - Billy Mitchell would have done it. His memory reminds me of the movie "Life is Beautiful" when the Dad somehow kept his son happy while they were in a concentration camp in WWII. Billy's glow is still around.

steve kramer

March 21, 2019

It does not seem possible that a year has elapsed since Bill's passing and his friendly, outgoing attitude which was always on display makes the passage of time seem more difficult. At a time when negativity seems to dominate the news and too many relationships, people like Bill would have made things more tolerable and put differences in perspective. He is still missed by alot of his colleagues and always will be.

Robin Mannion

April 19, 2012

To the Mitchell Family --
I am so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. I had the honor of working with him on various issues during his tenure at the MBTA. He was a true professional, gentleman and role model. Thank you for sharing him with so many. My life is richer for the experience.

Edward MacLellan

April 3, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a true friend,
and a person whose opinion I valued greatly. He will be in our prayers.
Ed and Betty MacLellan

April 3, 2012

We all are blessed to have known Bill and had him in our lives as part of our New England Family. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you at this most difficult and sad time. Bill will always be in our hearts and memories. Deepest condolences to you all.

The Leverings: Judi, Dan and Matt

Bob and Rose Simmons

April 3, 2012

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Bud and Kathleen Picardi

April 2, 2012

Our deepest condolences

Rosie Reardon

April 1, 2012

Dear Mrs. Mitchell and Family,
I was fortunate enough to work with Billy at the AG's office during the Shannon days, and have such nice memories of him. He was extremely kind, helpful, even-tempered, and witty. I am very sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed, but I hope you will take comfort in the knowledge that he will be remembered so fondly by so many.

Lee Brady

March 31, 2012

Colleen and John& family
So sorry for your loss...Keeping you in my prayers

Charles E. Walker

March 31, 2012

Dear beloved Mitchell Family:
Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of Your beloved Bill. He was and will forever remain in my memory as a cherished friend, mentor,towering fellow public servant, in whom God himself placed a heart as large as his. He was a tree, a friendly voice, with firm and inalterable convictions to constantly do the right thing at all times. We were AAGs in Bellotti,s office which in and of itself bonded me to him for the rest of my life. His dedication to serving others was immense and his example was a model for all of us to aspire to acheive and emulate. These few words will not assuage your grief. But please know that I will pray for your comfort, sincerely; and thank God constantly for gracing me with the boast that I got meet, and know an Angel.

Charles "Chuck" E. Walker, jr.
Sharon, Mass

March 30, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the Mitchell family on this painful loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Dan Boyd

March 30, 2012

Miss Donavan/Mrs Mitchell

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Mitchell.
He was always one of my favorite teachers and a wonderful Houghs Necker too.
I remember many great memories at the house on Darrow St or at Kevin's store years ago.
God Bless

Matt Kane

March 30, 2012

Courtney,

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I have not seen you in such a long time, from reading all of the great words that people have written about your Dad it appears he was a great man and very nice and now I know why you were always so kind. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Kano

ed moriarty

March 30, 2012

My condolences to the family. I only met Bill once. But it was memorable. He far exceeded the many wonderful stories I heard about him From his AAGs as mentor.\, atty, and friend He will be missed by all he touched. ed moriarty,salem ma

Bob Kilmartin

March 30, 2012

My condolences. I worked for Bill at the AG's Office. Across the years, incl. my 3+ decades as a Marine, Bill stands out as the consummate mentor-role model.Take comfort in knowing how well loved + respected he was. RIP WAM

Gerald FitzGerald

March 30, 2012

A classier gentleman and a more kind colleague never walked beneath God's sun. Billy, you were first-class, my friend, and you made life a bit better for every one of us. Thank you, Billy. (Just do it!)

KellyRose O'Brien

March 30, 2012

Mike, Courtney, and Mrs. Mitchell...
~Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!~
Thinking of all of you during this time..our thoughts and prayers are with you...
<3KellyRose&O'Brien Family

March 30, 2012

I had the privilege of serving with Bill on the MBTA Retirement Board. and a privilege it truly was. Bill immediately became one of my favorite people. I quickly learned I was not alone in my high esteem for Bill. What a great guy. Bill brought so much to that board. He was always about bringing people together.Bill had that way of making you feel that only the two of you new something that no one else new. What was not known he had the ability to do that with everyone in the room. Although the board was comprised of both union and management representatives with Bill it was always about doing what was best for the pensioners.I always said at the union if Bill Mitchell tells you something you can take it to the bank. My condolences to the Mitchell family.Frank Madden Local 589 Boston Carmen's Union Executive Board Retired.

Paul Vlassakis

March 30, 2012

I would like to express my condolonces to the Mitchell family. I was one of ther many students Bill taught at broadmeadows Jr high school in 1971. Mr Mitchell as he was known to the students was a cool hip teacher who always had a smile, and if he was mad at you it would no be for long. He was a great teacher and a real nice person.

Maureen Murphy-Rota, BMJHS Class of 1976

March 30, 2012

Mrs. Mitchell and Family,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband and father. You are in my prayers.

Mike

March 30, 2012

Love you Dad.

The Bosworth Family

March 29, 2012

Bill touched many lives. He was a special man with a gentle soul. Our hearts go out to Corinne, Courtney and Mike. With our deepest sympathy and love.

March 29, 2012

Dear Mrs. Mitchell, Courtney, and Mike,
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Mitchell. I have no doubt that God has prepared a very special place for him in heaven. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Jennifer Holt

March 29, 2012

To the Mitchell Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful guy and terrific boss. I worked for him for many years @ the Attorneys General Office and he was always so kind and pleasant to work with. He was a great friend and he will be sorely missed. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Mary Ann Fallon, Quincy, Massachusetts

Chris Notarangelo

March 29, 2012

Sincerest condolences from a former student and admirer. Teachers like Mr. Mitchell are few and far between.

Rick Hutchins

March 29, 2012

My thoughts go out to you today. Bill was just the best. We worked together at Broad Meadows, and I will always remember the good times. He accepted people for who they were and treated everyone with respect. A true friend. Peace !

Michael and Joanne Morrissey

March 29, 2012

Dear Corinne, Courtney,and Michael
Please accept our sincere condolences on your recent loss of Bill. He was a great guy and always a lot of fun to be around. We know he will be greatly missed. We are in the " islands" and will be unable to attend the services. Please extend our sincere condolences to Marcia and the entire Mitchell family.

Michael and Joanne Morrissey

March 29, 2012

Dear Corinne, Courtney,and Michael
Please accept our sincere condolences on your recent loss of Bill. He was a great guy and always a lot of fun to be around. We know he will be greatly missed. We are in the " islands" and will be unable to attend the services. Please extend our sincere condolences to Marcia and the entire Mitchell family.

Susan Quinones

March 29, 2012

Dear Mitchell Family,

May you take comfort in knowing your loss and sorrow are shared by the many people who knew and loved Bill as a terrific colleague and friend. May God grant your family peace.
With deepest sympathy,
Susan L. Quinones

Rosalie Killion

March 28, 2012

My deepest sympathy to his wife and family. May he rest in peace.
Love and prayers,
Rosalie Killion, Naples, Fl and Falmouth, Ma.

Eileen Ardagna

March 28, 2012

Dearest Mitchell Family,
We are very saddened at the loss of your beloved husband+father. May the love of your many family and friends help you through this most difficult time.... May the road rise up to meet Bill..., and may God hold him in the palm of his hand. Love + miss you. Your Irish Step Buddies from the Woods School.

Joe Moran

March 28, 2012

Corrine and Family,
One afternoon back in the '70's, Bill was taking the "Big Boss's" car somewhere for him, and he asked me to go along. We decided that the Boss would never miss a few of his caramel "squirrel" candies. We were wrong! When the Boss expressed his "disappointment", Bill took all of the heat and never gave me up! From Darrow Street to Beacon Hill, and beyond, Bill was ALWAYS Bill. I think, perhaps, that's why so many, many people loved and respected Bill. I certainly did. Still do. On behalf of Stephanie and our entire family, please accept our deepest sympathies.

JANE GRIFFIN

March 28, 2012

My cousin Bill was one of the brightest and best and will be sorely missed. He loved his wife and children and delighted in their accomplishments. When he lost his two brothers, he took on the father role to their children and eventually to another generation of children as their "Papa Billy." I know Nana Mitchell was there with open arms to welcome home "My Billy." RIP, Bill. Sorrow doesn't last but love does.

Cuzzin'Jane

Tom and Charlotte DiTullio

March 28, 2012

Dear Courtney, Marcia and the Mitchell Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

linda grimmett

March 28, 2012

Dear Mitchell Family

Sorry for your loss we went to Broad Meadows and both William and Corinne for our class.

Peace be with all of you today

Linda Morrison Grimmett
Debby Nightingale Bohan Esian

Dave Ferguson

March 28, 2012

Mr. Mitchell was a fantastic father and a generous and kind soul. May his life be celebrated in the company of your family and friends.

Cathy & Tom Bigelow

March 28, 2012

Dear Corinne, Courtney and Michael, Our hearts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Bill was a very special person and we pray that your wonderful memories of your husband and father will help you through this very difficult time.
Love, Cathy and Tom Bigelow

Ed Miller

March 28, 2012

Corinne and Family,
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Bill. I had the pleasure of getting to know him better as we both served on the board of governors at Furnace Brook GC and played several rounds of golf together. He was a steady influence for us all at FBGC with his wisdom and his calming nature. He was a true Red Raider and will be missed by all who knew him. I will not be able to attend the services as I am in Florida, all the best to all during this difficult time.

Paul McShane

March 28, 2012

Dear Corinne, Courtney, and Michael, Your husband and dad was one of the finest people I've ever known. Funny, smart, kind, and loyal, he was always someone you could depend on. He was the rarest type of friend, and I'll miss him more than I can say.--Paul and Kathleen McShane

Steve Kramer

March 28, 2012

I'm shocked and saddened by Bill's passing. In Frank Bellotti's office, he was a friend, colleague and always was a pleasure to deal with. It is difficult to accept his passing and hopefully his family will be comforted by the memories of a terrific guy.

Howard Haywood

March 28, 2012

Dear Mitchell Family,
My love and prayers are with each of you as we are so deeply saddened by the loss of a wondefully kind and considerate man like Bill. I have no doubt that God has perpared a very special place for him in heaven.

John Moran

March 28, 2012

Dear Corinne and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the passing of Bill a true gentleman.He will be sadly missed on and off the golf course. God Bless Jack & Donna Moran

Chris Sullivan

March 28, 2012

Corrine, Courtney and Mike,

May memories of your beloved husband and Dad sustain you from this day forward. He was the best there ever was, as a husband, a father, a friend and more. Thank you God for the gift of Bill Mitchell. I can't even imagine what he and PAG are talking about now, but it is a very long conversation I am certain.

Michael and Walter Sullivan

March 28, 2012

To the Mitchell Family:

Please accept our deepest sympathies. We both had the great pleasure of working with Bill at the AG's Office. He was a great mentor and friend to many.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Michael and Walter Sullivan

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