March 21, 1947 – October 10, 2026
Patrick “Pat” Mitchell, 79, passed away on October 10, 2026, in Wesley Chapel, Florida,
leaving behind a legacy of family, service, hard work, laughter, and adventure.
Martin Mitchell, Pat’s great-great-grandfather, immigrated to the United States from
Ireland through Ellis Island. Pat was born on March 21, 1947, in Pittston, Pennsylvania,
to William H. Mitchell Jr. and Rosemary (Hanahoe) Mitchell. After moving to Delaware,
Pat began a life of service that would take him around the world.
In May 1966, at just 19 years old, Pat enlisted in the United States Air Force and began
basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. What followed was a
distinguished 24-year military career, during which he proudly served his country and
retired in 1990 with the rank of Master Sergeant (E-7).
Throughout his Air Force career, Pat served at numerous assignments in the United
States and overseas. His assignments included Langley AFB, VA; Okinawa, Japan and
Guam; Vietnam, where he served at Phù Cát and Da Nang; George AFB, CA;
Plattsburgh AFB, NY; Hahn AB, Germany; MacDill AFB, FL; Torrejon AB, Spain; and
Shaw AFB, /SC.
As an accomplished tactical aircraft crew chief, Pat worked on the F-111F, F-4, and F-16
aircraft. He also served as a Master Instructor and Tactical Aircraft Superintendent on
the F-16, a distinction reflecting his extensive technical knowledge, experience, and
dedication to his profession. His decorations include the Air Force Commendation
Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Oak Leaf clusters, (indicating three
awards) The Good Conduct Award with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters. (The Good Conduct Award
is awarded to the top 7% of all enlisted personnel.) The Vietnam service medal with 4
Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam
Gallantry Cross with Valor and was awarded the Small Arms Expert Ribbon.
Following his military retirement, Pat returned to Tampa, Florida, where he began a
second career with Florida Power & Light (FPL) at the Turkey Point Nuclear Power
Plant in Homestead, Florida, working as an Instrumentation and Controls Technician.
After retiring from FPL, Pat and Dee eventually settled in Wesley Chapel, Florida, where
they began a new chapter of life together.
Pat and Dee were married on January 29, 1969, and shared 57 years together. During
their years in Homestead, Pat particularly enjoyed spending time out on their boat. An
avid reader, he also enjoyed keeping his mind occupied and sharing friendly competition
with family and friends, whether playing Gnip-Gnop (ping pong) or darts.
Pat was a man of few words, but he was rarely without a joke or a quick-witted remark.
Those who knew him understood that his humor was part of his personality, and he had a way of bringing laughter to those around him without ever needing to say much. He
enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, good company, and time spent with the people who
mattered most.
Retirement opened an entirely new chapter for Pat and Dee. They embraced their
shared love of travel and adventure, often finding themselves away exploring the world
more often than they were home. Their travels took them to beautiful destinations
including Ireland, Greece, Turkey, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, St. Thomas, Belize,
and Puerto Rico, along with a memorable trip throughout New England and countless
epic road trips across the United States.
They were also avid cruisers, sailing through the Panama Canal, exploring Alaska and
the Eastern and Western Caribbean, and embarking on an especially memorable
journey from Australia to Seattle, with stops in Bali, Tahiti, and Hawaii. One of their final
major adventures together took them to the breathtaking landscapes of Glacier National
Park, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Park. After a lifetime of service and hard
work, Pat and Dee made the most of their retirement years, filling them with travel,
adventure, and memories from around the world.
Above all, Pat’s greatest legacy is the family he and Dee built together. He is survived
by his beloved wife of 57 years, Dee Mitchell; his son, Patrick Mitchell II, and daughter-
in-law, Andrea (Sloan) Mitchell; and his daughter, Rosemary (Mitchell) Dame, and son-
in-law, Earl Dame.
He was a proud grandfather to Juliana, Gabe, Tori, and Sophie; and RJ and Andrew. He
was also a great-grandfather to Warren, son of Juliana and Jake.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, William H. Mitchell, Jr. and Rosemary
(Hanahoe) Mitchell, and his seven siblings: William H. (Bill), Matthew C. (Matt), Robert
A. (Bob), Michael J. (Mike), Martin J. (Marty), Thomas Wayne (Lumpy), and Rosemary.
Pat’s life was one of service, dedication, laughter, and adventure. From his years
serving his country and building a second career to the many miles traveled and
memories made with Dee, he lived a life full of experiences. He leaves behind a family
who will carry forward his stories, his humor, and the memories of a man who, in his
own understated way, made a lasting impression on those who knew and loved him.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. He will be buried with full Military Honors at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fl on Thursday November 5 th at 11:00AM. Contributions can be made in his memory to
“Operation Toy Soldier” c/o Veterans Funeral Care, 830 N Belcher Rd, Clearwater, FL 33765.
