Behind the former Mitch’s Market Street Gym in West Chester, there’s a man who inspired its name, writes Michael P. Rellahan for The Daily Local News. He was John Edward Mitchell, who recently passed away on May 27 at 64 years old.  

While the gym was named after him, Mitchell, also known as Johnny to his family, wasn’t a buff, body-building type. He was a short man with Down Syndrome, full of joy and laughter.  

When Mitchell’s sister, Donna Markley, opened the gym in 1999, her brother inspired her new business’s name. “I decided to honor him in that way and use the gym to educate others about people with special needs, and do a positive thing for the community,” said Markley. 

Mitch’s became more than a workout space; it became a safe and welcoming space for all who entered. Markley made sure to hire those with special needs to uplift the entire community. The gym also hosted an annual Chester County Down Syndrome Interest Group Dance. 

Mitchell was born in 1959 when not much was known about Down Syndrome. While the stares at her brother bothered Markley, she said that his light never dimmed. 

“He didn’t see the negatives,” she said. “Everything was just bliss for him. People like Johnny are very non-judgmental. They are just happy. They have no filters. And they are always happy to see people, which is amazing.” 

Read more about John Edward Mitchell’s life and legacy at The Daily Local News.