CUSHING — Stephen D. Mitchell, 81, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, Tuesday, May 25, 2021.

Born August 14, 1939 in Stonington, Connecticut, he was the son of Joseph H. Mitchell and Lillian E. Rust.

Stephen was educated in Rhode Island, graduating from Westerly High School. Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, completing basic training in Texas. He served as an aircraft mechanic, working primarily on jets. After serving his country, he went to work as a police officer at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut.

After 12 years of courtship, Stephen married Gladys ‘Dutchie’ Moreash in Stonington, Connecticut on May 23, 1987. Together they relocated to Maine where Stephen worked for many years as a corrections officer at the Maine State Prison in Thomaston; retiring from there in 2000. During retirement, he enjoyed his job at the Smoke Shop where he made many more friends.

He was always willing to help a friend in need and would do anything just to see you smile. His family says he was the jack-of-all trades and a master of none.

He always managed to keep busy and loved to be outdoors, primarily fishing, target or skeet shooting, and traveling to Niagara Falls and Indiana with his wife.

Stephen’s number one priority in life was his family. He loved nothing more than spending time with his three grandchildren, who all lovingly called him “Papa,” taking them bowling and playing pinball, teaching them how to drive the tractor, and annual trips to Funtown/Splashtown.. They were his whole world.

When he wasn’t spending time with his grandchildren, he was playing poker, chess, and cribbage; although he didn’t play well with others. In his down time, you could find him and Dutchie working on a puzzle.

He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his wife, Stephen is survived by his daughters, Annette Moreash-Kennedy and her husband Adam Kennedy of Cushing, Patricia McNally of Groton, Connecticut, Deborah Miller and her husband Ron of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Alana Cota and her husband Ron of Groton, Connecticut; his grandchildren, Alexandria Moreash-Kennedy and her fiance Carl Hayes of Waldoboro, Stephen Kennedy of Waldoboro, and Emma Moreash-Kennedy of Cushing; as well as other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Stephen will be laid to rest privately beside his wife in Mystic, Connecticut.

To share a memory or condolence with his family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.