R. Madison Mitchell Jr. "Mitch" of Havre de Grace, MD, passed away on June 9, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was 91. Mr. Mitchell was a lifelong resident of Havre de Grace and was born to R. Madison Mitchell and Helen Maslin Mitchell. He was the devoted husband of 65 years to the late Shirley Ann Mitchell (Marchant) and loving father to Robert Madison Mitchell, III (Ruth), Deborah "Debbie" Mitchell Brown (Ty), and Barbara Mitchell Hiob (Michael). He was the greatly admired grandfather to Elizabeth Johnson (Tyler), R. Madison Mitchell, IV (Sydney), Tyler Brown (Janelle), Corey Brown (Ashley), Adam Hiob and Hannah Haag (Hunter), and great-grandfather of Brayden Johnson, Rory Johnson, Shelby Brown, Sadie Brown and Carter Haag. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his sister, Madelyn Shank.

Mr. Mitchell was a graduate of Havre de Grace High School and Goldie Beacon College. After graduating he served in the US Army stationed in France in post WW II Europe. When he returned home, he owned and operated Mitchell Builders until his career with Harford County Government which spanned 34 years from 1965-1999. In his time with the County, he helped establish the building code and the Department of Inspections, Licensing and Permits (DILP) as the county transitioned to the Charter Form of Government. Before and during his retirement, he gave back to the city he loved in more ways than one. This included volunteering at the Havre de Grace Visitor Center, Serving on the Board of Directors for St. John's Towers (helping lead the construction of St. John's Commons), supporting the Skipjack Martha Lewis, R. Madison Mitchell Endowment Trust and building models showcasing historic events and structures of the city.
In his spare time, Mr. Mitchell most enjoyed being with his family and friends, while also spending time fishing, boating, working on model boats and trains, mirror power engraving and woodworking; many of his creations being appreciated by countless individuals from across the country. He also spent many years motorcycling with the Sunset Cyclers visiting 48 states, and was a 60-year member of the Susquehanna Masonic Lodge. In recognition of his many contributions to the community, Mr. Mitchell was named a Harford County Living Treasure in 2015 and truly lived his life by the Havre de Grace High School motto: Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 1pm – 3pm at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 927 Pulaski Highway, Havre de Grace, MD. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the visitation at 3pm with a reception to follow.

In Lieu of Flowers, contributions may be made to The R. Madison Mitchell Endowment Trust, P.O. Box 796, Havre de Grace, MD 21078 which supports preservation and the history of water fowling and decoy carving on the Susquehanna Flats. Online condolences may be made at www.zellmanfuneralhome.com