Remembering Danny Mitchell

Remembering Danny Mitchell
November 30, 1932 - January 5, 2007

Danny Mitchell was more than a racer. He was my friend.

Danny raced for four decades on the dirt tracks of the Tri State area. I was in sixth grade when I first met Danny. Our friendship goes back to 1955 when he worked in a gas station across the street from the school I attended.

In 1956, he moved into my mother’s three family apartment house. I was a local hero at school as I had a racecar driver living in my home. I would visit him at night when he came home from work. I am sure I “bugged” him; however, he always had time for me.

I was in Middletown the night he won his first feature in the Red Rooster number five. It was a 1937 Ford flat back previously driven by George Romer.

Danny drove many more cars over the four decades. Although he was never a big winner he was always there and in the hunt. He was a true competitor.

He ran D & J Auto Parts for the majority of his life. He is the reason I drive a Cadillac El Dorado today. He purchased one at the auction and talked me into buying it. I have never regretted buying that Cadillac. Every one should own at least one in their lifetime.

I have many fond memories of Danny. We would joke over trivial things such at “Cheez-Its” and the price he charged in the vending machines or the times I would offer to pay for his coffee, however he would decline the offer saying he would have to hear about years later.

I recall Woodstock weekend in 2006. He brought a van home from the auction. I told him to paint flowers on it as some left over “hippie” from the 60’s would pays lots of money for it. Danny was quick to growl back that he would get good money for it without the flowers.

I will miss mornings like this at the shop. Most of all I will miss you “MOE”. You were my friend. Our friendship lasted over five decades.

Although you may be gone, you will never be forgotten.

Ralph Corwin
January 9, 2007

Former Orange County Race Car Driver, Danny Mitchell, known as D-J #1, a contributor of maintenance and equipment and sponsor at Orange County Speedway, passed away on Friday January 5, 2007 at O.R.M.C. Horton Campus in Middletown. He was 74.

The son of the late William and Bertha Davis Mitchell, he was born November 30, 1932 in Warwick.

Danny loved the sport of auto racing and was a past feature winner. He was a past owner of Citgo Gas Station in Bloomingburg, the Mobil Station in Wurtsboro and the owner of D&J Auto Body for many years. He was also in the towing services for both the Orange and Sullivan county areas. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson with his friends here in New York, and in the State of Florida. Danny will be terribly missed by his family.

He survived by his loving wife, Cathy R. Crotty Mitchell at home; his children, Daniel P. Mitchell and his wife, Pauline of Bloomingburg, Dana Marie McCormick of New Windsor, Michael Mitchell of Las Vegas, Nev. and Dara Unruh and her husband, Daniel of Las Vegas; stepdaughter, Tina Moore of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; brothers, Clifford Mitchell and his wife, Mary; brother-in-law, Harry Romer; grandchildren, Stephanie McCormick, Ethan and Trevor Unruh, Cathy and Daniel Mitchell, and Matthew Mitchell; and one great-granddaughter.

Friends and family may call on Monday, January 8, 2007 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown.

A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc.

Cremation will be private at Cedar Hill Crematory, Middle Hope, at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc.