Michael Joseph Mitchell, 37, of Indiana, PA, died Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in North Myrtle Beach, SC, surrounded by his family while on vacation.
Michael was born in Indiana, PA, on April 23, 1987, to John Michael Mitchell Jr. and Diana Lynn Mitchell. Michael attended Indiana Area Schools and spent six exceptional years at Brightwood Point Day School, now the Pressley Ridge School for Autism, where he spent time learning, adventuring, and working in the community of Pittsburgh. Michael was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Indiana and was involved with Community Living and Learning.
Michael was born with a rare genetic disorder and faced years of chronic illness, but his life was filled with love and joy. He lived with his devoted parents and had many friends in the community of Indiana. He enjoyed collecting diecast cars, listening to music, taking care of his fish, planning his annual beach trip, and above all, laughing with his family, friends, and neighbors. Michael celebrated all holidays with enthusiasm, and especially loved Christmas. He had an incredible sense of humor, captivating laugh, and a smile that came from the heart. He found joy in everyday situations that most people miss. Michael loved connecting with others, and he remembered something special about everyone he met. Michael taught lessons of patience, resilience, determination, love, and forgiveness to all who knew him.
Michael is survived by his parents, John and Diana Mitchell, sisters Elissa Mitchell of Butler, PA and Brianna Mitchell of Indiana, PA and their spouses, Thomas Carden and Erick Bergquist Jr., respectively, who Michael considered his brothers. Michael loved being an uncle to his nephew, Jack Piccola, and Michael was Jack’s first best buddy. Michael is also survived by his loving aunts and uncles, Joseph and Jayne Holuta of Indiana, PA, and Lisa and Marc Hamme of Lebanon, PA, as well as cousins Matthew and Cynthia Holuta, Jonathan and Abigail Holuta, Rachel and Lawrence Dance, Emily and Zachary Morris, Elisabeth Hamme, Sarah Hamme, and their families.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Alice Mitchell, maternal grandparents, Joseph and Josephine Holuta, and his dogs, Dusty and Lady.
Michael’s family would like to thank his genuine and caring friends who he met along his journey, including Jade Hajnos, Nate Haggerty, Claude Bailey, and Dennis Matty. They would also like to acknowledge IRMC Lab and Mobile Lab, IRMC nurses, staff, and physicians, Community Living and Learning, Anew Home Health Nursing, 365 Hospice, Sunrise Hospice, and Rebecca Gamble for their dedication and care.
Friends will be received on Tuesday July 23, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home, 500 Ben Franklin Road South, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 in St Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church , 200 Clairvaux Drive, Indiana, with Rv. Fr. Richard N. Owens, O.F.M., Cap, as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery.
To send an online condolence to the family please visit www.bowserminich.com.
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