Mitchell Descoteaux

Mitchell Descoteaux , 80 of Wakefield, MA died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. He is predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Cecilia Descoteaux . He is survived by his wife, Diane, of Wakefield, daughter Michelle Berard and her husband Bruce of Biddeford, ME, son Sam and his wife Sandy of South Glastonbury, CT, son Steven of Sandwich, daughter Rachel Woolbert and her husband James of Wilmington, daughter Sarah Popovics and her husband Peter of Wakefield, brother John and his wife Barbara of Standish, ME, and his grandchildren: Matthew, Abigail, Ethan, Nicholas, Ella, Jillian and Maya, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Born in Hills Beach, ME on August 25, 1936, Mitch graduated from Biddeford High School in 1954 and Husson College in 1958. He taught at Valley Regional High School in Deep River, CT where he met his "first wife" Diane, who was "wicked lucky". Famous for his work ethic, he was committed to harassing his five children about the importance of showing up for work on time every day and never calling in sick. While they never call in sick, only three of them are on time. The other two are often heard saying "Don't tell Dad". He retired after 40 years of (on time) work at Harvard Management Company as an accountant, manager, partner, and for many, a mentor. Famous for his Mitch-isms, his quick wit and odd sense of humor have left a legacy of always finding a spot for a one liner to lighten the mood… even if inappropriate. He was known for his sayings: "Everything is somewhere", "Did you meet anyone you like better than yourself?", "That's a tribe-sized portion", "delicate and lady-like", and "I don't want to start any trouble but….."

He loved old houses, DIY projects, antique shows, watching his kids in their activities, spending time with his family, and playing match maker and career counselor. He was a devoted husband who cherished his wife and his family and he will be sorely missed by everyone.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield, MA on Friday October 21st from 4:00-8:00 pm. Funeral will be from the McDonald Funeral Home on Saturday October 22nd at 9:00 am followed by a funeral mass in St. Florence Church, 47 Butler Ave., Wakefield, MA at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.

October 21, 2016
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 245-3550

October 22, 2016
10:00 AM

St. Florence Church
47 Butler Ave
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 245-3550