Joseph David Mitchell was born on April 18, 1939. He attended elementary through high school in Arlington, Virginia. At Washington-Lee High School he played football and rowed crew. His senior year the football team were State Champions, and the crew team were National Champions.  Wonderful memories for years to come. He also was active in the high school reunions every five years.

He attended Virginia Tech on a football scholarship and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He received his officer commission from the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets as a Distinguished Military Student and served in the U.S. Army for 2 years active and 6 years in the Reserves where he attained the rank of Captain.

David had a career with the Bell System/AT & T for 35 years which encompassed assignments at Bell Labs and Western Electric. He attended AT & T Advanced Engineering Program at Washington University in Integrated Engineering. He also attended AT & T Advanced Senior Management Development Program at Carnegie Mellon/University of Pittsburg He was responsible for field and headquarters staff of up to 2,500 employees. His last 7 years were spent supervising International Sales and Implementation Teams in Europe and the Pacific Rim serving as a liaison to Bell Labs developing specific country communications requirements.

His civic and community activities included being Vice-president and then President of the Blue Ridge Council of the Telephone Pioneers of America for 10 years. Involved for many years in the Barton Place Homeowners Association. David was continually involved in many aspects of Church activities, including community and statewide outreach programs, Mission work such as traveling to Louisiana to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina and helping the impoverished town of Sneedville, Tennessee for several years.  He also helped organize and coach the Westfield High School Varsity Crew Team when his grandchildren were in high school.

Upon moving to Ashby Ponds Retirement Community, he was a Resident Ambassador and served on the Residents Advisory Council. Actively participating in the Ashby Ponds Woodworking Club, he served as President for many years which he loved.  The Treasure Chest was another club he was active in fixing furniture, etc. All proceeds went to the Benevolent Care Fund.

David's greatest love was for his family. He is survived by his high school sweetheart (Janice) who he was married to for 66 years, having known each other since 7th grade. He is also survived by a son, Dr. John Mitchell (wife Mary McPherson Mitchell ) and a daughter, Mary Lynn Obarowski (husband Pete Obarowski). Five grandchildren; David Mitchell, Thomas Mitchell, Lewis Mitchell, Sarah Obarowski Licht and Alan Joseph Obarowski and six great-grandchildren. He was greatly loved and led a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the following organizations in his memory:
Capital Caring of Northern Virginia HOSPICE, www.capitalcaring.org
ALS Association, www.als.org