Joseph Mitchell III Obituary
Joseph Mitchell III, 76, of Gloucester, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, surrounded by his family who adored him and filled him with immense happiness in a life well lived.
Joe was, above all else, a man of deep and abiding faith. That faith shaped every corner of his life in the way he loved, the way he listened, the way he showed up for others without fanfare or expectation. He was the kindest, most compassionate soul you could ever hope to know, and the very best of listeners. To know Joe was to be heard, felt and understood.
Married for 52 years, he was the devoted husband and best friend of Bonnie. Together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and partnership. A bond that only grew richer with time. They started each day with an embrace and ended each day the same way.
Joe was a phenomenal father and friend to his three sons, Joe, Jonathan, and Jason, who were his pride and joy. He lived life to the fullest and brought that same passion to everything he shared with his boys. He taught them golf and played countless rounds beside them. He taught them baseball, coached the team, and played a key role in improving the league for the benefit of all the children who came after. He led not by lecturing, but by doing, and by loving every minute of it.
Joe was a 1968 graduate of St. Ann's High School. He was proud to have represented Gloucester and St. Ann's marching band in the 1966 Rose Bowl parade in California.
The ocean was his sanctuary. The shore, the beach and the salty air were his happy places. From Gloucester to Florida to St. Martin and so many spots in between, Joe found peace and joy by the water, and he shared that with everyone he brought along.
Joe & Bonnie owned and operated Ben's Paint together, everyday, for 45 years, where they helped countless customers over the years. But what fewer people knew was Joe's quiet gift for helping others start and run successful businesses. He was regularly sought out for guidance and wisdom, through good times and challenging ones. He gave freely of his knowledge, his encouragement, his time and his heart.
Joe moved through the world with a gentleness that left it better than he found it. He was a gift to everyone who knew him, pure of heart, generous in spirit, and good to the core. His memory will be a lasting blessing, carried forward with love, with gratitude, and with a smile.
He is survived by his loving family: Bonnie, his soulmate, beloved wife and best friend of 52 years; his son Joseph, wife Carrie, children Knox & Zoe; son Jonathan, wife Alexandra, children Eliza, Gabriel & Christian; son Jason, wife Josephine, children Lucas & Mia; brother Michael Mitchell, wife Karen; son, Michael & wife Francesca; children, Michael & Joey; daughter, Erica & husband Andrew Pierce, his children Alec & Trent; Sister Carol Ann & Robert Mann; son, Michael & wife Brieana; children Bailee, Jimmy & Annah; Sister Joanne Mitchell and significant other, Phillip Christofi; and niece, Emma Teixeira; sister-in-law Candy Guittarr; Lindsay Bohan; children Jack & Ava; Courtney Bruen and husband, Pat Bruen; daughter Hallie.
He is predeceased by his father, Joseph Mitchell Jr.; mother, Catherine M. (Linquata) Mitchell; brother, Louis Mitchell; and son, Kevin Texieria; in-laws, Roy & Margaret Guittarr; his brothers-in-law, Dennis Guittarr and Glenn Guittarr; and his best friend, John Favazza.
A life of faith, family, and love, lived to the fullest. Rest in peace, Joe. You are so deeply loved. We promise to keep your spirit alive and with us forever.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take a moment to listen to someone the way Joe listened to everyone, fully, patiently, and with an open heart.
If looking to make a donation, please consider the St. Peter's Fiesta. Venmo: @stpetersfiesta (for - 'Joe Mitchell') or Check: St. Peter's Fiesta Committee P.O. Box 3105 Gloucester, MA 01930 (payable to 'St. Peter's Fiesta Committee'; memo - 'Joe Mitchell') Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.
A Celebration of Life will be held on a day and time to be announced.
