Manchester Honors Memory of Beloved Security Guard, Barry ‘Mitch' Mitchell

Barry Mitchell spent years dedicating himself to the students and staff of Manchester High School, now the school is honoring the beloved security guard, who passed away earlier this year. 

The school is naming the outdoor athletic complex ‘The Barry ‘Mitch’ Mitchell Athletic Complex after him. 

“He was wonderful. He was great to everybody. All the kids, all the families,” Milka Frison, a former coworker, said. 

Mitch, as he was known, had been the school’s security guard for at least 15 years. 

In January, Mitch suffered an apparent heart attack. 

“It shook the whole community of Manchester when Mitch passed,” Erin Ortega, a former coworker of Mitch’s, said. 

His official job title was just part of what he did. Many considered him their friend, a surrogate parent and a faithful cheerleader. 

“He was best at picking children up on a bad day, whether it was a pat on the back or for my own children screaming at the track on the last lap. He was bigger than life,” Manchester Mayor Jay Moran said. 

Now Mitch will inspire generations to come. 

On Friday, his son and daughter unveiled a plaque, as the outdoor athletic complex was named in honor of Barry Mitchell. 

“It was an honor to read this, the plaque, and I’m just really happy. But I do miss my dad,” Barry Mitchell, “Mitch’s” son, said. 

It was a chance to pay tribute to a father, a husband and a hero to so many in the Manchester community. 

“Thank you for naming this field after my dad. It means so much to me,” Mitch’s daughter, Samantha Mitchell, said. 

“The love and support has been overwhelming. We are just very grateful,” Mitch’s wife, Tammy Mitchell, “Mitch’s” wife, said. 

In Manchester you’ll spot Mitch remembrances, including wristbands. 

Groups are raising money in his honor, including for the plaque recognition.  

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