Rodney Arnold Mitchell

MADISON – Rodney Mitchell, 92, of Madison passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Nov. 28, 2023. 

Rodney was born in Norridgewock on July 13, 1931, to Doris (McKenny) and Floyd Mitchell. He had two younger brothers, Bradford and Dale, and a baby sister, Joyce, who passed away at two weeks old. Growing up, he enjoyed playing baseball, farming, and spending time with his brothers, cousins, and neighborhood friends.

He met the love of his life, Dorothy, while working at her family’s farm on Ward Hill Road. In 1956 they were married and remained soulmates for the next 67 years. Rodney built their family home in Madison in 1957 where they remained, and they were blessed with three children: Terry, Thomas and Julie.

Rodney was a man of many trades and a hard worker, always wanting to provide for his family. His favorite jobs were working as a meat-cutter at Luce’s Meat Market and Walter Ray’s, and driving clamp trucks at Madison Paper Industries, until his retirement in 1996.

Rodney was a true family man and was happiest when surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dorothy and Rodney cherished their roles as “Nanny and Papa” to their eight grandchildren, and every Sunday for the past 30 years, the whole family gathered at their home to spend time together. 

In his later years he loved spending time with his twelve great-grandchildren and they always looked forward to receiving a special chocolate from him when they visited. He also cared deeply for his pets, including Brandy, Pearl and Teddy.

He was a skilled carpenter and enjoyed creating custom furniture in his woodshop. He filled his family’s homes with beautiful pieces that are cherished to this day. He loved to fish and took many trips on the boat he built with his son. He and Dorothy cultivated beautiful flower and vegetable gardens at their home and Rodney took great pride in his roses and tulips. Rodney loved watching sports and was a lifelong Yankees and Patriots fan. For his 80th birthday, he fulfilled his childhood dream of going to Yankee Stadium. He also loved to travel on vacation with his children and grandchildren. He loved Westerns and had an extensive movie collection.

Rodney was always smiling, no matter what. In sharing memories of Rodney, many have remarked that he’s one of the kindest people they have ever met. He had a sharp wit, the biggest smile and the best stories. 

He is survived by his wife of 67 fun-filled years, Dorothy; his brother, Bradford; his daughter Terry Viotto and her husband Craig, of Jay; his son Thomas Mitchell and his wife Kelley, of Norridgewock, his daughter Julie Elias and her husband Greg, of Madison; eight grandchildren and their spouses; twelve great-grandchildren; a special niece Marilyn Goodine, and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and he will forever be deeply missed.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 2, at 11 a.m., at Saint Sebastian Church in Madison. Burial will be at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com.