Dennis Joseph Mitchell

Dennis Joseph Mitchell, 84, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, in Highlands County, Florida. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Dennis later made his way to Miami, where he built a life full of love, laughter, and unforgettable stories before retiring and spending his final years in Highlands County.

Dennis was a butcher by trade, a craftsman at heart, and a man who lived life fully and unapologetically. He had a deep love for golf, motorcycle rides, old Italian music, and classical opera. When he wasn’t out enjoying the world, you could find him wood carving, collecting trains, or stirring up a little mischief—often at the expense of his beloved wife, something he seemed to enjoy just as much as anything else.

He was a proud Mason, a private investigator, and served as a commissioner for boxing—roles that reflected his discipline, strength, and passion. But more than any title, Dennis will be remembered for who he was to the people in his life.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Lilly (“Lil”); his sons, Michael and Steven; his daughter, Debbie; his stepchildren, Karen, Deborah (“Big Debbie”), Kristine (“KC”), Erich (“Ricky”), and Roxanne (“Annie”); as well as 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on through each of them.

Dennis was a great listener—but an even bigger talker. There was never a day he wasn’t on the phone, making his rounds to check in on the people he loved, even if was at 2 a.m. Every call began with his signature “hay-lo” and ended with an “okay, love you, bye-bye now.” His conversations were often short, but his goodbyes could last forever.

From his granddaughter:

You'll always be my Tramp and we'll always have Brooklyn.

From his great granddaughter:

My favorite memory of my Papa was when he made me portabella mushrooms, and not long after, him and Nanny would turn on old Italian music. We would all dance together—me, Cheyanne, Nanny, and Papa—laughing as my sister and I kept stepping on their toes. Those moments were filled with so much love and joy, and they will stay with me forever.

From his grandson:

Papa you traded your golf clubs and Harley for wings, A true storyteller. May the roads be smooth, and the greens be forever open.

Love Sean, Tyler, Ricky and Dakota.

His granddaughter writes, I’ll never forget our weekend trips to visit Grandpa and Grandma. Those weekends were filled with love, laughter, and stories that brought our family even closer. Stevie and I would sit with him, alongside my mom Danielle, my dad Steven, and Grandma, listening as he reminisced about my dad’s childhood. He would proudly show us his records and old photographs, each one holding a story we’ll carry with us forever.

Dennis will be remembered for his voice, his humor, his stories, and the way he made sure no one ever felt forgotten. He had a way of staying connected, of showing up—even if it was just through a quick phone call. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.