Robert R. Mitchell

Rev. Robert R. Mitchell Jr., 64, of Oley Township, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2016. Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, he was the only child of the late Robert Russell Mitchell Sr. and Jane Margaret (Ritzman) Mitchell.

Robert was a member of Reading High School's Class of 1969. He attended Muhlenberg College in Allentown, graduating in 1973, and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, graduating with his Master of Divinity in 1977. He was ordained as a Lutheran Minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that same year.

After graduating from Seminary, Robert received his first call in 1977 at Christ Lutheran Church at 325 Covered Bridge Road in Oley, Pennsylvania. Caring deeply for the church and its community, he would spend his entire career of 38 years serving the parishioners of Christ Lutheran, becoming the church's longest serving pastor and one of the longest serving Lutheran ministers at any single church in Berks County.

Robert loved music and participated in the church's music program as a singer and bell choir player throughout his career. He could also be found at the church's many events, helping to prepare (and taste) his parishioners' Chow-Chow, selling chicken barbeque, or manning a stand at the annual Strawberry Festival and Christmas Bazaar. In addition to serving at Christ Lutheran, Robert was also a Senior Associate Pastor at Christian Light Ministries in Oley, Pennsylvania since 2011, where he served as an officiating minister for couples celebrating weddings and families in need of funeral services. During his career he served on the boards of the Lutheran Inner Mission and The Lutheran Home at Topton.

Robert was very proud to serve his local community of the Oley Valley, as well as the greater community of Berks County, where he spent his entire life and career. He served as a Judge of Elections for Oley Township and also enjoyed supporting the Oley Valley Community Fair Association. He could often be seen happily selling food tickets, hamburgers, and milkshakes to the large Oley Fair crowds. He also frequently participated as a minister in Oley Valley High School's Baccalaureate ceremony for graduating seniors. In addition to his many community and church activities, Robert enjoyed stamps, coins, Civil War history, Revolutionary War history, reading, and especially his vacation trips to Williamsburg, VA.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Rebecca E. Mitchell, wife of John R. Acquaviva, and his son, Jonathan A. Mitchell, husband of Christina Mitchell; he is also survived by his grandson, Evan.

Funeral Services for Robert will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 11:00 am at Christ Lutheran Church, 325 Covered Bridge Road, Oley, with Bishop Samuel R. Zeiser, Bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, officiating. Interment will follow in Oley Cemetery, Spangsville. Viewings will be held on Monday, February 1, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and again on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robert's honor to the Rev. Robert R. Mitchell Memorial Fund, c/o Christ Lutheran Church, 325 Covered Bridge Road, Oley, PA 19547.

Walbert Funeral Home & Cremation Services, PC, is honored to be entrusted with caring for our friend Pastor Mitchell and his family. Online condolences may be offered to Pastor Mitchell at WalbertFuneralHome.com.