Mitchell Ross Pixley

Mitchell “Mitch” Pixley, 65, of Cary, Illinois, passed away on November 9, 2026, after a courageous multi-year battle with cancer. He was born on October 17, 1961, in Yakima, Washington, to George William Pixley and the late Mary Pixley.

Mitch spent part of his childhood in Maryland, where he learned to love sailing, fishing, crabbing, and being on the water. When his father’s work brought the family to Illinois, they lived in Fox Pointe and later Barrington Hills.

That love of the water stayed with Mitch throughout his life and shaped his career in marine sales. His work took him around the world, and he made long lasting friendships with customers and coworkers along the way.

Mitch was happiest on a boat. In his younger years, he loved his loud, powerful Donzi. Later, he chose a family boat so he could share his love of boating and time on the water with the people he loved the most. The water gave him both excitement and peace.

Family meant a great deal to Mitch. During his first marriage to Julie, he became the father of Bill and Meghan. He later spent 31 years with his wife, Donna, building a home and family that included her son, Frank. Mitch loved going on the family’s annual trips to the beach house in Florida. These trips became some of the family's most treasured memories. Becoming a grandfather to Aubrey and Abbey brought out another, gentler side of him. He loved having the girls over, and grew the biggest pumpkins he could for them to enjoy. With Grandpa Mitch, the answer was always yes. He cherished making memories with the girls and sharing his experiences with the next generation.

His family will remember his humor, stories, and the lessons he worked hard to pass on.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his children, Frank, William, and Meghan; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer; his beloved granddaughters, Aubrey and Abigail; his father, William George; his brother, Cameron; and his cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 18, from 9:00 a.m. to time of Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. all at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main Street, Barrington, IL 60010. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fox Waterway in his memory.