Robert K. Mitchell

Robert Kimberly “KIM” Mitchell, Jr., 88, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, in Southbury, Connecticut, at the Lutheran Home. 

Born on June 30, 1937, in Danbury, Connecticut, Kim was the son of May and Bob Mitchell. He graduated from Newtown High School, where he was class president and played soccer, baseball, and ran indoor track. He graduated from Cornell University with a BS in Animal Science, after which he was the eighth generation to manage Mitchell Farm. Upon graduation, he designed and built a state-of-the art dairy barn.

He was a devoted father to his sons, Robert K. Mitchell (Jodi) and Mark A. Mitchell, and was instrumental in bringing Pop Warner Football to Southbury in 1972, serving as the first vice president. He coached Little League, and practices were held at Mitchell Farm.

He enjoyed sharing his knowledge about machinery and farm equipment with anyone who would listen. He had an analytical mind for building and fixing and loved to problem-solve. A true farmer, he could be seen driving his tractors up until the end.

Kim spent a few years selling vegetables on Route 34 in Newtown from his refurbished bright gold CL&P van. He loved engaging with his customers.

Upon his retirement, Kim embarked on more than twenty international trips touring farms across the globe, including China, Europe, Africa, Ukraine, and Australia—an endeavor that reflected both his adventurous spirit and his dedication to learning about agricultural practices worldwide. Kim spent winters in his home in Florida, where he could be found enjoying a good buffet. 

Kim was "Grandpa Kim" to Samantha, Allison, Emmett, Dennis, Sherman, and Heather. He is also survived by his ex-wife, Ruth Ann Close Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his parents, May and Bob Mitchell, as well as his sister Linda Mitchell Lawson.

Calling hours will be held on January 25, 2026, from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM at Munson Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main Street North, Southbury. A prayer service will take place during the visitation at 4:30. The internment will be private. The family wishes to thank the Lutheran Home of Southbury and Trinity Health at Home for their care. Instead of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.