Kenneth E. Mitchell Jr., age, 71, unexpectedly entered eternal rest on June 25, 2024.
He was the loving husband of Kim K. (Bernardo) Mitchell. Ken was born in Milford on March 6, 1953, son of Jean Villinger Mitchell of Orange and the late Kenneth E. Mitchell Sr.
He was a graduate of Amity High School. Ken later went on to attend Waterbury Technical School and the University of New Haven. He was an entrepreneur and worked in the insurance industry for over 40 years – most recently with Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group in Wilton.
Ken was also employed as a Supernumerary police officer for the Town of Orange and took pride in driving many generations to school in the town of Orange on Bus X as a driver since 1973. Ken was a member of the Masonic Lodge since 1974. But it was his passion for being a first responder that defined him most.
A 50-year member of the Orange Volunteer Fire Department and past Captain, member and past Captain of Webster Hose Co. #3 in Ansonia, member of Paugassett Hook & Ladder Co. # 4 in Derby where he served as past Chief Driver, Engine 260 Muster committee member in Milford, President of the Valley Fire Chiefs Association, Chairman for the Fire School Board of Directors, served ten years as County Vice President with CT State Fire Association, past 2nd Vice President with CT State Fire Association and a member of the New Haven County Chiefs Association.
Ken enjoyed golfing and skiing, especially at Okemo Mountain, where he was a Mountain Ambassador.
In addition to his wife Kim and mother, Jean, Ken leaves to cherish his memory, son, Kenneth E. Mitchell III (Jackie) of Orange, daughter, Kara Mitchell (Jeff) of South Glastonbury, stepson, Jason Provenzano of Ansonia, stepdaughter, Nicole Dery (Ryan) of Simsbury, sister, Pam Clemens (Mike) of Orange, grandchildren, Gavin, Nora, Jameson, Max and Anthony, niece, Amy Clemens, and nephew, Will Clemens.
Relatives, friends, and fellow firemen are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Monday, July 1, 2024, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia.
On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, his funeral will take place at 10:00 am at Orange Congregational Church, 205 Meetinghouse Lane in Orange. (Please meet directly at the church) Interment will immediately follow in Orange Center Cemetery in Orange.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ken’s name are preferred to: The Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial Fund at www.ctffm.net. or to the Orange Volunteer Fire Department at www.orangevfd.org. To sign Ken’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit, www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
