Mitchell Brose Gearhart, 86, of Hagerstown, MD, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Doey’s House.

Born September 20, 1939, in Hagerstown, he was the son of the late Harry Paul and Mabel Marie (Dodson) Gearhart.

Mitch was a 1958 graduate of South Hagerstown High School. He devoted 36 years of his life to serving the City of Hagerstown as a firefighter before retiring. Throughout his career, he was deeply committed to his fellow firefighters and the community he served. He was a founding member of the Local 1605 Honor Guard and served as past president of Local 1605 of the International Association of Fire Fighters. He was also a longtime member of the Antietam Fire Company, where he proudly served for 50 years.

Mitch was chairman of the IAFF Golf Tournament and remained active in several organizations throughout his life. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, where he served on the Board of Trustees for 10 years, as well as American Legion Post 211 and VFW Post 6241 in Mercersburg, PA. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Orion (AS-18). He was also a faithful member of Hagerstown Church of the Brethren.

Mitch will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Beverly M. (Barnhart) Gearhart; one daughter, Kristin Hose and husband, Jerry; one son, Jeffery Gearhart and wife, Susan; nine grandchildren, Dustin Mizah and wife, Taylor, Garrett Miller and wife, Brittany, Tiffany Miller, Zachary Leggett and fiancée, Jessica, Darian Hose and wife, Savannah, Kacie Hose, Jantzen Hose, Mitchell Gearhart, and Madison Gearhart; 12 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and two sisters, Mary Elgin and Mevis Shatzer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Michael Gearhart; one daughter, Teresa Gearhart; and a great-grandchild, Jeremiah Leggett.

A viewing will be held at Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd., Hagerstown, MD, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the funeral home with Pastor Eddie Edmonds officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Cemetery.