George Mitchell

TROY - George E. Mitchell, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

George E. was born in Troy, Ohio, on June 8, 1941, at Stouder Memorial Hospital to parents George H. and Irene (Tremblay) Mitchell, both now deceased. Growing up in a household with two Georges and later having a brother-in-law with the latter's father being yet another, "George" became problematic. Hence in family conversations the 1941 George was referred to as George E., which some thought was the endearing term "Georgie". As an adult, not so much endearing but perplexing.

George was quite the energetic youngster. Dressed by his mother in a pristine white jumper suit, she told him to stay on the front porch and play. He met part of her criteria, staying on the front porch. Questionable and to her dismay was his chosen play activity, involving a hammer and nails, which he used to decorate the entire top of a wooden porch post with the nails. Hence, he was unable to stay clean. As an adult, if there were a block of wood to be carved into a waterfowl decoy, a dulcimer to be designed and constructed for his wife to enjoy playing, a replica black powder rifle stock to be carved then completed with an assemblage brass parts, a fish to be caught with his grandchildren doing likewise at his side, releasing an unsuspected quick quip with a humorous "zing", a 50s era car with which to tinker, a parade float to be built whether for a long passed Ohio State homecoming parade, where, incidentally, he made the acquaintance of his eventual wife, or a Troy Strawberry Festival parade entry representing the city's Southwest Historic District, a history book to be read in one sitting, which would often be done overnight - these were amongst his many varied life experiences and interests stretching across his eighty-four years.

While being reared in Troy, George attended and graduated from St. Patrick School then did likewise at Troy High School. His college education began at Ohio Northern University where he lettered in varsity ice hockey. From there it was onto Hobart School of Welding to become a certified welder. Following that, he proceeded to Ohio State University from where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial arts and technology with a concentration in welding and became a member of Epsilon Pi Tau, a professional honorary. His work experiences included being a welder, a high school teacher at his alma mater in Troy, a machinist, and culminated as an engineer for over 20 years at General Motors where he held a brake design patent. He was a member of St. Patrick Church, Elks #452, and the Troy Fish and Game before moving to Maineville, Ohio in 2024.

George's surviving family includes his wife of 60 years Helena T. Mitchell (née Sekular); son Brian (wife Kristen) Mitchell of Alabama and their son; also, son Philip (wife Jennifer), and their children, Katelyn, Logan, and Griffin of Maineville, Ohio; brothers Albert Mitchell (wife Sybilla) of Lebanon, TN, and Raymond (wife Carol) of Maineville, OH; sister-in-law Laureen Ferlic (husband George Ferlic) of Amherst, Ohio. Also surviving are a number of nieces, their spouses, and several great-nephews, great-nieces and his latest furry friend, Benny.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Troy, with Fr. Eric Bowman as Celebrant. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Baird Funeral Home in Troy. In memoriam donations may be made to St. Patrick's Soup Kitchen, 25 N. Mulberry Street, Troy, Ohio 45373; St. Patrick's School, 420 E. Water Street, Troy, Ohio 45373; Troy City School District, 500 N. Market, Troy, Ohio 45373; Hospice or the charity of your choice.