Dr. Paul Van Mitchell

Dr. Paul Van Mitchell, a devoted family man, loyal friend, distinguished educator, and esteemed leader in the field of education, passed away after a long battle with leiomyosarcoma on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Dr. Mitchell is survived by his wife, Debby Mitchell, his loving sons, Michael Mitchell and Mark Mitchell, his cherished daughters-in-law, Consuelo Mitchell and Blaire Mitchell, his adored grandchildren, Beau Hartlee, Mikey, Chason, and Joey, his beloved sister, Linda Mitchell Halpin, and dear mother-in-law, Christine Cross.

Dr. Mitchell shared a deep and abiding love with his wife, Debby. They physically built their home block by block, stone by stone, and together, a strong and nurturing family. Their marriage began on June 24, 1978, and they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary the day he went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 24, 2023.

As a father, Dr. Mitchell was a constant source of love, strength, guidance, and encouragement to his sons, Michael and Mark. He instilled in them the importance of education, integrity, hard work, love for sports, and a passion for hunting and fishing. Michael and his wife, Consuelo, as well as Mark and his wife, Blaire, were not only his children, but his greatest treasures and sources of immense pride.

Dr. Mitchell’s greatest joy in life was his role as a grandfather. Beau Hartlee, Mikey, Chason, and Joey brought immeasurable happiness to his heart. He delighted in them with unwavering love and affection.

Dr. Mitchell and his sister, Linda Mitchell Halpin, shared a special bond together. They were there for each other through thick and thin with so much support and love. Their connection was a testament to the enduring power of family, and the importance of standing by one another.

Prior to Dr. Mitchell's illustrious career in education that spanned an impressive period of nearly 50 years, (beginning in 1974 and extending through Spring of 2023), he was a member of the inaugural UCF baseball team. He most recently served as Principal of Colonial High School and as an Education Leadership Professor at the University of Central Florida, where he inspired and mentored countless aspiring educators. His passion for teaching and his unwavering commitment to excellence made a profound impact on his students, colleagues, and the educational community.

Dr. Mitchell's dedication to his family, his faith, his contributions to the field of education, and his compassionate nature, will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to shape the lives of those he touched, and his memory will be forever cherished. God retired the mold after he created Dr. Paul Van Mitchell.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Dr. Mitchell’s life, will be on Friday, June 30th at Discovery Church, 881 Sand Lake Road, Orlando FL 32879 at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or The American Cancer Society, in his memory.