Captain William T. Mitchell of Boston’s South End passed away October 14, 2009 with his family by his side. He was 80 years old.
Born in Roslindale in 1929 to the late Margaret (Sullivan) and Edward Mitchell, William attended the Longfellow and Boston Latin Schools and graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School in 1947, before continuing on to Holy Cross College, where he gratuated in 1951. He served in the US Army as a second lieutenant in 1952-1954. Following his time in the service, William joined the Boston Harbor Pilots as an apprentice in 1954 before becoming a pilot in 1963. William worked for the Harbor Pilots for 40 years. He was proud of his work and was fond of saying it was the best job for any seaman. He served as the president of the Boston Pilot Association from 1979-1983. William was an honorable man who taught by example and whose family always came first. He was a delightful raconteur with a sharp wit. William was an avid traveler, enthusiastic athlete and he took great pride in contributing his time and skills to his neighborhood and his community.
William was the beloved husband of Mary (Silva). Loving father of Ellen Mitchell and her partner Silke Heumann of The Netherlands. Dear brother of Barbara Hynes and her husband Edward of Norwood. He is also survived by his loving nephews, their wives and their children.
William's Funeral Mass was held Friday, October 23, 2009 at St. Cecelia’s Church, Boston. Contributions in William’s memory may be made to the church or to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St. Boston, MA 02115.