Brigadier General Richard Alvin Mitchell, 70, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 4:20am in Nashua, NH. He was born on April 23,1955 in Bridgeport, CT, the son of Edwin Louis Mitchell and Betty Louise Mitchell.
He was the loving husband of Dorothy (Dodi) E. Mitchell. They were married on June 5, 2010 in Milford, NH.
Richard grew up in Manchester, CT. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts, CT Troop 25, where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating High School, Richard attended College at Embry Riddle University in Daytona Beach, FL, where he earned a Bachelor of Science, Aeronautical Science Degree. Richard enlisted in the Connecticut Air National Guard in 1978 and was commissioned in 1979 through the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science. He completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and the A-10A Operational Training Course. Besides serving as a combat-ready fighter pilot, he served in various assignments in flying and operations, as well as command positions in the group and wing. He deployed for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and Operation DENY FLIGHT. He was a senior command pilot with more than 3000 hours primarily in the A-10 aircraft and had flown in numerous deployments worldwide to include over 33 combat missions over Bosnia and Iraq. Richard was the recipient of numerous major awards and decorations, including Meritorious Service Medal (w/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) Air Medal (w/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) Aerial Achievement Medal (w/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with Valor and 4 Oak Leaf Clusters) Combat Readiness Medal (w/1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters) Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with Valor and 4 Oak Leaf Clusters) and a Combat Readiness Medal (w/1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.) Richard retired from the Connecticut Air National Guard in 2012 as a Brigadier General.
In addition to serving almost 34 years in the Military, Richard enjoyed a 24year career with the Federal Aviation Administration, retiring as a Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist in 2006. Richard then went on to become a pilot for FedEx, retiring from FedEx in 2020 as a B767 Captain.
Richard enjoyed skiing with his family and served as a volunteer ski coach with Nashua Special Olympics. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending his summer days at the lake house with his family. He was an avid boater and fisherman and served as President of his home owners association at the lake for years. Richard was the consummate neighbor, always lending a hand to whomever was in need. Richard was a dedicated father who led by example throughout his life. He continued to be an active supporter and member of CT Troop 25 of the Boy Scouts and extended himself to others with a desire to serve however he could. Richard’s capacity for compassion, patience and love left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Richard is survived by his loving wife Dorothy (Dodi) Mitchell, his son Derek Mitchell (Nicole Boudrot), daughter Nicole Mitchell (Douglas Burns) and their mother Claire DeStefano Mitchell, his step-son Isaac Hartigan, his brothers Duane Mitchell and David Mitchell, his sister Sharon Rodriguez, step-sister Eileen Berk (John) and step-brother Robert Kiernan, his sister-in-law Karen Napier, Nieces Erin Berk, Jillian Teitelbaum, Sherilyn Gale, Katie DeStefano, Jennie DeStefano, Donlyn DeStefano and Nephews Brian Berk, Jason Napier, Michael Napier, and predeceased by Adam DeStefano.
SERVICES: Visitation will be 5-8 pm, Thursday January 29, 2026 at the Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St., Nashua, NH. A funeral service will be held, 10:00 am Friday, January 30, 2026 at the Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St, Nashua, NH. with LTC William E. Mullins, Military Chaplain, officiating. Interment will follow at the Edgewood Cemetery in Nashua, NH. There will be a gathering following the burial, for a celebration of Richard’s life, 12:30-3:30 pm, at Margarita’s Restaurant, 1 Nashua Dr., Nashua, NH.
Family and friends are invited to attend. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Nashua Special Olympics, c/o SONH PO Box 3598 Concord, NH 03302
The DAVIS FUNERAL HOME, One Lock St., Nashua has been placed in charge of arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.davisfuneralhomenh.com, (603-883-3401) “ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER”.