IN MEMORIAM
Dr. Charles W. Mitchell Sr., 90;
Oneonta Native, Honored Professor
PLATTSBURGH – Dr. Charles W. Mitchell Sr., 90, a SUNY Plattsburgh professor and honored alumnus of OHS and SUNY Oneonta, passed away on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, at UVM Health Network, CVPH following a short illness.
Dr. Mitchell was born in Oneonta on Dec. 15, 1929, to Edith (Stratton) and Claude Joseph Mitchell.
He went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s from Oneonta Teachers College and a doctorate from West Virginia University.
He served for eight years in the New York Army National Guard in Oneonta.
Charles is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan (Vrooman); daughter, Nancy Mitchell Rogers; son, Charles Jr. and wife, Catherine; and grandchildren, Colden and Myles, and several nieces and nephews of his predeceased brother, John; and sisters, Emily DePalma and Metta Bagg.
Charles graduated from Oneonta High School in 1947.
Charles began his teaching career at Center Street School in Oneonta. He also taught at Euclid Avenue School in Schenectady.
In 1958, he joined Montgomery County BOCES as the science consultant for Canajoharie and Fort Plain schools.
In 1960, he joined the state Education Department, where he authored the Elementary Science Syllabus and Handbook for elementary schools in New York State.
In 1962 Charles joined the faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh. During his tenure he developed and taught 46 different courses.
Charles was an avid birder and authored many publications about birds. His research included the Great Blue Herons of Valcour Island as well as groups in Florida and Colorado.
SUNY Oneonta named him Distinguished Alumni and to the Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also selected for the Oneonta High School Wall of Distinction in 2017.
Honoring Charles’ wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service. He said, “I came into this world without any fanfare and that’s the way I’m going out.”
Should they wish, friends may donate to the charity of their choice in his name. To share a condolence with the family, visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court St., Plattsburgh.
