Captain Shirley G. Mitchell Jr., age 97, of Fairhaven, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at his residence. He was the husband of Doris A. (Johnson) Mitchell to whom he has been married for the past 65 years.
Born in Fairhaven, the son of the late Shirley G. Mitchell Sr. and Mary “Mollie” Mitchell, he was a lifelong resident of Fairhaven.
A graduate of Fairhaven High School, he attended the Sperry Gyro Compass School of New York. He worked in the fishing industry as a Boat Captain. He was also in the Merchant Marines for the Moore-McCormick Line. Prior to having the 70 foot fishing vessel “Lubenray” built, he had smaller fishing boats and also worked on luxury sail and power boats. After a long career as a Fisherman, he became the Captain of a Research Vessel for the state of Massachusetts for twenty years until his retirement.
A Mason and Shriner for many years, Captain Mitchell was a member of the Unitarian Memorial Church of Fairhaven.
Surviving in addition to his wife, one daughter: Sheila G. Mitchell of Marion, two sons: Stuart G. Mitchell of Rochester, Alan J. Mitchell of Plymouth, three grandchildren: Abby, Mollie, and Melanie Mitchell and many nieces and nephews. He was brother of the late Robert A. Mitchell and Jane Burns.
Private arrangements are in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Fairlawn in Fairhaven. For tributes, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com