Michael A. Mitchell, 59, of Waterville, NY, passed away unexpectedly May 30, 2017 in Altoona, PA.
He was born December 8, 1957 in New York, NY, a son of Wilbur Viola and Althea Brown Mitchell. Michael grew up in Manhattan where he attended and graduated from the New Lincoln High School. After high school, he held sales jobs at Sport Stripes and Pintchiks while he attended City University of NY. In 1985, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Independence (CV-62), the USS Ingraham (FFG-61) and the USS Crew Sierra DDG as an Interior Communications Specialist. Michael also served shore duty at Sand Point Naval Station in Seattle, WA, Navy Headquarters in London, UK, and at the Naval Media Center at Souda Bay, Crete before retiring out of Naval Station Norfolk. Mike then took a job with the James Van Zandt Veterans Hospital in Altoona, PA where he was well loved and admired by co-workers and patients alike. Mike was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2015. He had undergone 2 stem cell transplants and was considered in remission. His cause of death is not yet determined. Mike was an avid photographer who particularly enjoyed feeding, photographing, counting and observing birds. He participated in a weekly bowling league with his co-workers. He also participated in BIKEVETS, an organization providing mountain bikes and organized rides for disabled veterans.
Michael leaves his wife of 31 years, Virginia Keith, two beloved dogs, Nugget and Darryl, and two cats. He is also survived by two brothers, David Mitchell and Paul Mitchell, both of New York, NY; several very dear cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 4pm Saturday, June 10, 2017 from the Kloster & Northrop Memorial Chapel at Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 210 E. Main St., Waterville.
Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery.
Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Saturday from 2-4pm prior to the service.
Contributions in Michael’s name may be made to the Cornell Ornithology Laboratory, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850-1923.

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