Daniel J. Mitchell, RBVFC president

Daniel J. Mitchell, 64, of Lewes, passed away Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, at his home. He was born Aug. 28, 1958, in Downey, Calif., son of Shirley L. and the late Richard C. Mitchell Sr.

Danny was well known around the Lewes-Rehoboth-Dewey area. He was a bar manager at the Rusty Rudder and a general manager at Roadhouse for a time. He worked as a dispatcher for Dewey Beach Police for several years before transferring to Rehoboth Beach Police, with whom he was employed for 17 years, up until the time of his passing. His lifelong dedication to the community he so loved was evident in the volunteer work he did since the age of 18. Danny was active in the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, where he was president since 2017. In the past, he also held the offices of vice president, secretary, assistant treasurer, ambulance secretary and ambulance lieutenant. Danny was also a past president and member of Sussex County Volunteer Firefighters Association. Danny could always be found sitting on the bench in front of Station 1 on Rehoboth Avenue, selling T-shirts and raising money. He was always involved with the annual Dewey Beach Running of the Bull, as well; greeting everyone with a smile for a donation, of course. He was a great leader and role model to all. 

Danny had many hobbies and interests. He loved to cook and was a dedicated UD football fan, cheering on the Blue Hens and tailgating before the games since the 1960s, and his golf trips to Myrtle Beach with friends were among his favorite memories. Danny’s light and laughter could fill a room, and his great sense of humor was unmatched. To know Danny was to love him. He will truly be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

In addition to his father, Danny was preceded in death by his brother, Donald “Donnie” Mitchell Sr. He is survived by his mother, Shirley L. Mitchell of Lewes; his brother, Richard “Dickie” Mitchell Jr. (Don) of Lewes; his sister, Shellie Simmons (Billy) of Lewes; his sister-in-law, Nano Mitchell of Rehoboth Beach; his nieces and nephews: Katy Miller (Harry) of Rehoboth Beach, DonDon Mitchell of Rehoboth Beach, Brett Simmons of Rehoboth Beach, and Brittany Simmons of Lewes; and his great-nieces and -nephews: Morgan Howard (TC), Ashley Catts, Blake Catts, Alexis Hall and Ayden Hall.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 19, at Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, Station 1, 219 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. An additional viewing will be held the night prior from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. Burial with Fireman’s Honors will follow the funeral service at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach.

All who cannot attend the funeral service in person are invited to attend via livestream by visiting: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/10755805/LTWebcast.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, Station 1, P.O. Box 327, Rehoboth Beach, DE  19971.

Visit Danny’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.

See photos from Mitchell’s funeral can be found here.