Stephen Walton Mitchell

This world lost one of the most loving, passionate, musical souls on July 25, 2019. Born October 4, 1945 to Bud and Florence Mitchell in Troy, Stephen Walton Mitchell lived an amazing life.

Steve found music at a young age and began his devotion to drums at age 12. He graduated from Dusquesne University as a music major and in 1967 moved to California. He lived a musician’s life at night clubs, studios, concerts, weddings, marching bands, teaching, and anywhere he could play. His accomplishments and the number of people he touched with his music and love of life are all too numerous to list.  In San Francisco, he also met Shirley Sulpizio and they had 2 daughters with whom he was close his whole life.

He moved back to Troy, Pennsylvania in 1996 when his mother passed away, and after dealing with his own health challenges, he moved closer to his brother in Lewisburg. There he started a new musical life, influencing a whole community in the Susquehanna River Valley. He continued to face many health challenges and spent the past two years living at the Milton Health and Rehab Center. Despite being disabled he still managed to enjoy nights out listening to jazz and parties with friends. He passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Steve is remembered by his family: brother, Nathanial Mitchell, daughters, Selena Mitchell and Maya Land, and grandchildren Alexander Land and Grace Quan, and his prior wives Shirley Sulpizio and Ann Keeler Evans. He is also remembered by the thousands of lives he touched over the years.

No formal service is planned but a musical Celebration of Life will be arranged locally in the near future. To honor Steve, please talk to someone you don’t know, make music, and donate to a worthy cause (like your local school music program!)

The family is being assisted by Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, South Second and St. Louis Streets, Lewisburg.

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