Phillip William Mitchell

Beverly, MA - Phillip W. Mitchell, 72, a lifelong resident of Beverly, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 16, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by family and love.
A retired Beverly police officer, Phil was born and raised in Beverly, the son of James and Beverly (Gorman) Mitchell. He remained deeply rooted in the community he loved.
Phil had a rare and natural gift: he made people feel good simply by being himself. He made others smile, laugh, and feel welcome, never judging and always accepting. Everyone around him felt comfortable in his presence. His stories were always "true stories," and his contagious laugh had a way of pulling people in. Making others feel included was simply how he let people know they mattered to him.
Fitness was a cornerstone of Phil's daily life. After undergoing a life-saving kidney transplant in 1986, he defied the odds by staying active and healthy. He was a familiar and friendly face at Beverly Golf and Tennis and Beverly Athletic Clubs, which became cherished social hubs where he formed countless friendships over the years, bonding over fitness routines and conversation. His warm smile and engaging presence were as much a part of the experience as the workouts themselves.
In retirement, Phil found peace walking the beaches near his home in search of sea glass, often with his granddaughter Nora by his side. It was a quiet joy that taught his grandchildren to find beauty in small, unexpected things.
Above all else, Phil's greatest pride and purpose were his sons, Ryan and Sean. His love for them was unconditional and unwavering. He dedicated himself to giving his children every opportunity to succeed, offering wisdom and guidance that will live on. That love only deepened with the arrival of his three grandchildren, who became the center of his world. Phil embraced being a grandfather with joy, humor, and devotion, whether sharing advice, offering support, or proudly mastering the baby monitor.
Phil is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Bonnie (Frey) Mitchell; his sons Ryan Mitchell and his wife Flutura, Sean Mitchell and his wife Amy; his brother Hugh Mitchell and his wife Carol; his sisters Barbara Mitchell Wood, Cindy Mitchell and her late husband Edmond Matton, Maggie Getchell and her husband Bruce, and Jenny Martini and her husband Bill; and his beloved grandchildren Nora, Owen, and Molly, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.
Truly, a life well lived.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church, 111 New Balch Street, Beverly, on Tuesday, January 27, at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Monday, January 26, from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil's memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support cancer research and patient care, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. Information, directions, and condolences are available at www.campbellfuneral.com.