Obituary of Reginald Whitney Mitchell

Elmira: died unexpectedly on Monday, September 29, 2014 (the Feast of Michaelmas) while on vacation in China with his son and daughter-in-law, John T. Mitchell and Nicole Hutchinson. Whitney was born in Malden MA, December 28, 1931 a son of Reginald and Glendola Mitchell. He grew up in Stoneham MA graduating from Stoneham High School. Whitney enlisted in the U S Navy in 1949 and was honorably discharged in 1953. After his military service Whitney continued his education, graduating from Huntington Preparatory School for Boys. He later graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bowdoin College earning a Bachelors Degree in French and a Masters Degree in Linguistics. One of Whitney's first occupations was as a Foreign Language Computer Programmer for MIT. A few years later he declined a job offer from IBM to travel to Africa to teach English to French soldiers in the Congo. Upon returning from Africa, Whitney accepted a position as a French teacher at Fox Lane High School in Bedford Hills NY where he met his future wife, Tula Tolonen. They married in 1969 and later moved to Albany NY living there until 1983. While in Albany, Whitney worked for the National Education Association. In 1983 Whitney and Tula moved to Corning NY where he worked for BOCES as a Labor Relations Specialist until his retirement. Whitney had a tremendous passion for Liturgy and fulfilled this passion serving as Parish Administrator and Parish Master of Ceremony at Grace Episcopal Church in Elmira. A world-wide traveler, he was particularly fond of his trips to Southeast Asia. Whitney will always be remembered for his love of gourmet food and fine wine. He cherished his time with family and friends. His four grandchildren were the light of his life and they will miss him dearly. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Tula, brother Phillip Mitchell, brother-in-law John Biggio, sister-in-law Lisa Campbell. Whitney is survived by his children, and their families, John T. Mitchell and his wife Nicole Hutchinson of Holly Springs NC; Lisa M. and Greg S. Amante with their children, John, Matthew, Anabelle and Anneliese, of Medway MA; sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Albert Savage, sister Bette Biggio, all of Stoneham MA; brother Eugene Mitchell of Boston MA, brother and sister-in-law Ralph and Carol Mitchell of Tuftonboro NH; sister-in-law Betty Mitchell of Northwood NH; brother-in-law William Campbell of Cuernavaca Mexico; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins, both in the United States and Canada. Calling hours will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Blessed Michael the Archangel, Grace Episcopal Church, 375 W. Church Street, Elmira. Dismissary Prayer will follow at 8:00 p.m. A Solemn Requiem Mass in thanksgiving for Whitney's life will be celebrated at Grace Church on Friday, October 17, 2014 at 7:00 p.m., with the Reverend Father Donald W. Matthews officiating. A private interment will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Whitney with a donation to either Grace Church, or a charity of their choice.