Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Casper Funeral & Cremation Services

187 Dorchester Street

Boston, Massachusetts

Gary Mitchell Obituary

MITCHELL Gary, 61, of Marshfield, MA died suddenly Wednesday, June 19, of complications from heart surgery. He was surrounded by his family and closest friends. Born in Laconia, NH, July 25, 1951 to his dear parents Elizabeth and Walter "Kim" Mitchell, he was the youngest of four children. Gary was a proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and spent 35 years as the Corporate Executive Chef and VP of Food Operations for The Back Bay Restaurant Group. Most recently, Gary pursued an opportunity with Tuscan Brands, continuing his passion of developing tremendous culinary concepts. An incredible man who impacted hundreds of lives; creating great food, life long friendships and unforgettable memories were just a few of Gary's talents. He will be missed terribly by his adoring family; wife Keri, daughter Ashley and her husband Chris, son Ryan as well as his brothers Jeff and Rodney. A wake will be held on Wednesday June 26, 2013 at The Casper Funeral Home, 187 Dorchester Street, SOUTH BOSTON from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. in Old South Church, 645 Boylston Street, Boston. Validated parking available at 100 Clarendon Street Garage (behind Back Bay Station). For online guestbook www.CasperFuneralServices.com

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

Published by Boston Herald on Jun. 25, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Mitchell

Not sure what to say?





Randy Ewert

March 25, 2024

Gary was my dearest friend.
We lived together in Meredith NH...during his LOL formative years.
He worked at Harts Turkey Farm when I met him.
He paid his dues after Culinary School and we did have some interesting times together...I mean seriously fun times.
When Rodney called me and said they could not start the left side of Gary"s heart...It crushed me.
I was best man at his wedding in Campton , NH when he married.
It is interesting when you enjoy someone that male or female...you love them.
To all of you he touched...thanks for your feelings...we, Gary and Randy, had more fun together than your could ever image...and wish you were there with us.
On to another day...love.

curt R brueggeman

June 18, 2022

It´s still hard to believe. I mention your name so often in the kitchen I´m working in now. You have showed me great knife skills and true meaning of what it takes to be a great cook. You are always in my thoughts and will be forever. Someday I´m sure we will cross paths up there eventually. Take care and tell Ronnie I send my love.

June 11, 2019

Hey sir hows things? Miss you bud.....I just wanted to stop by and say hello. Im working in Disney Hollywood studios in Orlando now. Things are great there. Say hello to my dad for me....

curt brueggeman

December 21, 2017

Merry Christmas buddy. There isn't a day that goes by without thinking of you. It still seams like yesterday. Say hello to Ronnie for me. I wish you were still around. Miss you......

Jose (joe) Carvalho

September 18, 2013

Condolences from a former BBRG emplyee

Ric Lee

August 9, 2013

You were my mentor.
The late nights at JCH in Dedham and Boston in 1977 proved to be more than just an experience. It set the tone for my career. You pushed me to my limits in many ways. I applied the "consistency" to my work for the last 35 years. It was because of you that I am the professional that I am today.
The industry has lost a champion.

You family will be in my prayers

Matt Gilligan

August 3, 2013

Gary
You were always there to drive the guest experience, you cared about providing great food and think of the millions of plates that you touched and the Diners that are still being impacted through the cooks you taught who later became Chefs and owners. I wonder who many future owners you influenced. I wonder how many awful cooks left because of the strong regiment and discipline. Some of them became Lawyers, Brokers and probably a Doctor or two. They knew what a sense of urgency was because you taught them. I was fortunate to have worked with you before the computer days at JCH and our food cost was 55%. Your drive and humor through the days at Joes, Paparazi, Rays and Charley's. My last memory was with you in Newport and the Chowderfest in 2001. You reached into your network as you needed a local kitchen to support your efforts and the Hyatt on Goat Island came through. You taught me a lot, were kind to my family. You were one of my unforgettable characters.
You were a Culinary force and a keystone in Back Bay. A family man, a Chef, A rogue and fun to be with.
Wish your family well and I hope that they know how you positively impacted so many.

Nicole & Peter Nyberg

July 18, 2013

To Gary's family,

Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now.

Two years ago, Gary took a chance on a little start-up artisan bakery and chose our company's bread for several of his BBRG restaurants. We will always be grateful that he did. From that starting point, a terrific friendship grew.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity, Gary and for all of your advice, encouragement and for believing in us. We will miss you very much.

Rick Bennett

July 10, 2013

I was the meat Manager at the Tuscan Market for 5 months. Even though I only worked with Gary a short time, I enjoyed his company, humor and personality. He was a true gentleman. My condolences to his family and friends. I am sure he will be missed by his Tuscan family as I miss him. Sincerely, Rick Bennett

Ming Jung

July 8, 2013

Miss you Gary.

Ming Jung

July 8, 2013

A great mentor with an incredible passion in the restaurant business both back & front of the house.
His legacy will be missed. Mingo at Coach

Jon Vetter

June 29, 2013

I will always remember Gary's smile and passion. Worked with him at Back Bay and had the pleasure of opening both Atlatic Fish Company and The Coach Grill with Chef Mitchell. He will be truly missed. Rest in Peace Gary.

June 29, 2013

To the Mitchell Family
Please accept our deepest condolences. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The Sousa Family

Joe Simone

June 28, 2013

I will remember Gary's passion in everything he did. What a great mentor, leader and a real force of nature. My thoughts are with Keri and the Mitchell family. Although I had not seen Gary in quite awhile I am sad that I missed the services in his honor.

June 27, 2013

Gary & I grew up together in a little NH town & went to school grades 1 thru 12. A terrific skier, he started skiing a few minutes after learning to walk. Our parents helped establish an outing club here in town back in the 50's that is still operating to this day w/ a rope tow. Gary was a topnotch head chef @ a local fine dining restaurant back in the 60's when he was just a kid. He lived 3 miles off the main highway deep in the NH woods with his wonderful family. A true friend & talented human being, he leaves a lot of friends up here who will miss his humor and true friendship... Randy H. Moultonboro NH

Diane

June 26, 2013

Gary--will miss your smile and sense of humor. Back Bay owes much to you. Prayers to your family.

Kevin Vouglas

June 26, 2013

Keri, Ashley and Ryan, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Having had the pleasure of spending three days with Gary recruiting at the Culinary Institute in New York and seeing how they treated him like a Rock Star, it let me see a different side of him. As he did with so many he was always there to support me no matter how small or big the problem. He not only worked for Westwood Group/Back Bay for 35 years, He was the Back Bay Group. In every restaurant there was and will always be Gary's Menu's. It was a privilege and an honor to have worked with him. He will surely be missed and never replaced.

Warm Regards,

Kevin Vouglas

Kizito

June 26, 2013

Gary thank you for all your help, wisdom and support in the years we worked together. Thank you for everything You will be missed.

Ron Simon

June 26, 2013

Gary was the first friend I made when I moved to Boston in 1996. When you were a friend of Gary's you were a friend for life, I was one of those fortunate people who shared a true friendship with Gary. I will miss you my brother and on behalf of my wife Carla our hearts go to Keri, Ashley and Ryan. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ron & Carla Simon

Curt Brueggeman

June 26, 2013

You taught me everything I know about cooking. Every time I cook in the kitchen I think of you. What I have learned from you, I will pass it on to my son. You will be missed in so many ways. You were more than a friend, you were family. Just think, you and Ronnie are back together. Please say hello to him for me.
You might be gone, but you won't be forgotten.
You can finally rest now cause you haven't stopped moving since you hired me back in "94"
Love you and will miss you!

brad Decker

June 25, 2013

Gary- As I am saddened by my loss of not having you around. I loved you like a brother and i will miss hearing your laugh and the adventures we shared on so many occasions.... from Super Bowls to Boston Red Sox opening days.

I Miss you....big time!!!! God Bless

B-rad

Jay Nelson

June 25, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with all you of you today. Gary you were the best friend anyone could ask for. You always tried to help people and there is a special place waiting for you on your next journey. Love you my brother.

Dan McNally

June 25, 2013

Gary - you will be sorely missed by everyone. Thank you for all the good works that you did. Our prayers to your family and loved ones

Joe Bank

June 25, 2013

I consider knowing you for many years to be a privelege and I thank you on behalf of Handi Kids/Bridge Center for the thousands of hours and dedication you gave our to organization so that we could provide a safe and fun camp experience to so many physically challenged children and young adults. We will all miss you at the dinners that you and your staff (friends) provided at our major fund raiser, the annual Golf Tournament. It made no difference if it was too hot or it rained, the food was always a winner. Another loss will be your absence at Lenny's annual Wine Tasting fund raiser at your old haunt on Boylston St. I speak for everyone at the Camp when I say THANK YOU for being you!!!! Rest In Peace....

Joe Bank
Board of Directors at the Bridge Center

Noreen and James Dolan

June 25, 2013

Gary
No words can express my love for you-You were there for every good thing and every sad thing in my life. A true friend-a mentor-someone the world shouldn't have to live without. Your friends knew they were special because of your love and passion for them and for life! You may be
gone but far from forgotten!
Love Noreen and Jim

June 25, 2013

Our most sincere condolences go out to Keri, Ashley and Chris, and Ryan, our most wonderful additional son. Our hearts are so heavy for your loss and please know we are here for whatever you need. Your friends, Peter, Lauren, Hilary and Matthew Bak

Amy Christmas

June 25, 2013

I just want to let you know that are thoughts and prayers are with your family. My father, Mark Hartzfeld, worked with Gary for many years at BBRG. Growing up I remember meeting him a few times. I am so sorry about this tremendous loss. Many prayers,
Amy Hartzfeld Christmas

June 24, 2013

Gary my friend I love you. I will miss your smile, your laughter and the support you gave to me. I knew you would always be there to listen, to comfort and would never be judgmental. A piece of your spirit will live on inside of me. The world has lost a special person and I will never see you throw back your head and release the most joyful laugh anyone has ever heard. I am grateful that you were part of my life. Love Carla

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

Make a Donation
in Gary Mitchell's name

Memorial Events
for Gary Mitchell

Jun

26

Wake

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Casper Funeral Home

187 Dorchester Street, Boston, MA 02127-2846

Jun

27

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Old South Church

645 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02127-2846

Funeral services provided by:

Casper Funeral & Cremation Services

187 Dorchester Street, Boston, MA 02127-2846

How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gary Mitchell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more