Edwin William Mitchell, who with his wife Norma founded Mitchells of Westport clothing store in 1958 and saw it grow into a multi-million dollar regional retail powerhouse, died today after a brief illness. He was 98.
His death at a Fairfield residence for the elderly two months short of his 99th birthday was announced by the Mitchell family.
Mitchell, whose retail expertise drew attention from universities and business groups but was best known locally for his devotion to his community, had recently been hospitalized at Norwalk Hospital. He was a resident of Westport and Pompano Beach, Fla.
A framed picture of him was placed in the store on Post Road East where arriving customers saw it upon their entry and flags outside were lowered to half staff.