Obituary of Richard A. Mitchell

Richard A. Mitchell of (Mapletown) Canajoharie, New York, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 67 on Sunday, May 12, 2024.  Rick was born on August 8, 1956, in Little Falls, New York, to Theodore and Ruth Mitchell, who predeceased him.  

Rick was a 1974 graduate of Canajoharie Central School.  Upon graduation, he was employed at Keymark Corporation in Fonda, New York, as a maintenance technician. During his time at Keymark, he attended several schools for training in welding and electric.  After 18 years at Keymark, he then became employed at Townsend Leather in Johnstown, New York, under the esteemed leadership of Terry Kucel, where he formed a strong friendship with Terry, Chuck, and Jess.  After 29 years at Townsend, Rick retired and became a chauffeur for his beloved friends in the Amish community, including, but not limited to, Emanuel Byler.  When he wasn’t driving the Amish around, he enjoyed gardening and tinkering with his tools and toys in the garage.  Rick was also known to assist his mother-in-law, Carol Schaffer, in the care of her home and personal life whenever he was able. Rick was a member of the Canajoharie Moose Lodge #853.  

On September 24, 1988, Rick married Autumn Schaffer.  They shared over 36 years of marriage together and created a beautiful family, which he adored.  

Rick was predeceased by his first wife, Bonnie Dibble, and his brothers-in-law, Timothy Schaffer and Kevin Hall.  

Rick is survived by his wife, Autumn Mitchell, and his children, Brad Mitchell, Chelsey Rosenbarker, and Ashley Mitchell. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Jana Mitchell, son-in-law, Adam Rosenbarker, and grandsons, Wyatt Mitchell and Everett Rosenbarker.  Other survivors include his brother James and wife Lisa Mitchell, sisters Elizabeth and husband Joseph Burns, Donna Hall and Mary Smith; mother-in-law, Carol Schaffer as well as an aunt, several nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. 

The viewing will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM, and the funeral will be on Friday, May 17th, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Houghtaling and Hanley Funeral Home, 20 Otsego St., Canajoharie, NY 13317.  The burial will follow at the Ames Cemetery, 7670 10-NY, Canajoharie, NY 13317.  In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution is encouraged to donate to The Ayres Animal Shelter, 133 Hilltop Rd, Sprakers, NY 12166, as Rick was a lover of dogs - especially his grand pups Sissy, Carhartt, and London.