David R. "Dave" Mitchell

David (Dave) R. Mitchell

April 2, 1953 - November 22, 2025

David (Dave) R. Mitchell age 72, of Elkton, MD, passed away peacefully and into the arms of his Lord Jesus, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Born in Wilmington, DE on April 2, 1953, he was a son of the late Howard A. Mitchell and Mary Jane (Dandoy) Mitchell. Dave had an extensive career in the optical and contact lens field. David trained at Bausch and Lomb to master the fabrication of eyeglasses. He also attended the John Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute where he earned his National Contact Lens certification. Dave worked as an optician, working at many different optical companies and for ophthalmology practices specializing in special custom fit contact lenses. He worked for The HMO of Delaware, the first staff model HMO in Delaware. He served in several capacities over his 13 years there including supervisor of optical services.

Dave had a passion for trains and gave his time as a volunteer at the Marshall Steam Museum in Yorklyn, DE. He was proud to serve as a member of the development team for Gauge 1 Live Steam Railroad to be created at the Yorklyn Valley Railroad. David also loved classic cars. He owned several of his own. He was a member of the British Car Club of Delaware and the Brandywine Motorsport Club. He took great pride in organizing rallies and events for both clubs. David loved the outdoors including hiking, swimming, and watching the wildlife. He also enjoyed fishing, especially fly fishing.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Peg (Pennypacker) Mitchell; children, Edward Mitchell and Jessica Creek (Josh); beloved grandchildren, Reagan, Roslynn, Joshua, James, and Jacob; sisters, Pat Cox, Donna Skomorucha, brother, Howard Mitchell (AnnMarie); and many precious nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his daughter, Nikki Paynter.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EP) of Newark, 308 Possum Park Road, Newark, DE 19711; followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at EP. Inurnment will be held privately at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave's memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online by clicking here; or to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Newark, at the address listed above or online by clicking here.