Douglas Foster Mitchell, 77, Former Polaroid Financial Specialist

Douglas Foster Mitchell, 77, of Andover, died Tuesday, July 31, at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born in Fulton, N.Y., on March 12, 1941, and was the son of the late Walter F. and Katheryn (Mitchell) Mitchell.

Educated in the Fulton school system, Mitchell earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Syracuse University.

For over 30 years he was employed as a financial specialist for Polaroid, retiring in 2004. He was previously employed at Colegate/Palmolive.

A man of varied and vast interests, he enjoyed studying Andover and American history, time spent outdoors, golfing, scuba diving, sailing, ocean research, hiking and volunteering for conservation purposes.

His survivors include his wife of 54 years Pamela H. (Jones) Mitchell of Andover, son Paul J. Mitchell of Rosemont, N.J., daughter, Stephanie A. Mitchell of Brooklyn, N.Y., brother David B. Mitchell of Mitchell, S.D., three nieces and two nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Haverhill & Bradford. The Mitchell family requests that in lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions instead be made to some of his favorite charities including the Andover Center for History and Culture, 97 Main St., Andover, MA 01810; AVIS Reservation, PO Box 5097, Andover, MA 01810; Mass Audubon Society, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773; Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity, 647 Andover St., Lawrence, MA 01843; or the Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY, 10460.