John E Mitchell

Heaven called him home on March 21, 2024.

Mitch was born on January 13, 1954 in Winchester, Massachusetts. Growing up in New Bedford he spent his time camping on the Cape, riding dirt bikes, and racing his cars on Acushnet Ave.

Mitch chose a life of service and patriotism. As a young man, he joined the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion. He was and would always be a proud “Seabee.” Not long after his return to civilian life, Mitch moved to Miami, Florida and started his own successful plumbing business. In 1981 Mitch joined the Miami-Dade Fire Department where he began a dedicated 30-year career. During his time in the department he showed his continuous devotion to duty by being part of multiple units including the Hazmat Team, Arson where he became an Arson Investigator, and even becoming a member of the International Disaster Response Team. Mitch enjoyed sharing his wide knowledge base on fire safety, building construction, and environmental protection which lead him to becoming a Training Instructor and an Adjunct Professor. He went on to develop training courses that were used by Miami-Dade Fire Department, various other fire departments, Dade County Police Department, as well as federal agencies. Even when off the clock he was still committed to helping others; going to the Philippines to be part of a search and rescue team saving earthquake victims and even rescuing a trapped truck drive on his way home from work. Mitch was recognized for all his accomplishments by being awarded Fire Fighter of the Year (1991), as well as national recognitions for hazardous materials and building collapse rescue. Mitch retired as a Lieutenant from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in 2011.

Mitch loved life and lived it to the fullest. Baseball was his game and The Boston Red Sox were his team, he was a life long fan! Sitting in the sun was his solution to everything and sitting in his chair at the beach was his happy place. Giving back seat directions, being the designated tour guide, listening to music, and being the “loud” family were some of his favorite things. Mitch and his wife Estelle loved to travel; taking frequent road trips, enjoying cruises, and seeing the world.

Mitch was one of a kind, he loved and laughed hard and loud. He was always telling stories and ‘j’ing’ around. He never met a stranger and he was everyone’s ‘main dog’. Spending time, having fun, and making memories with his wife, children, and grand-babies was top on his list.

Mitch continues to be loved by his wife; Estelle, his children; Brandon Owens and his wife Ali, Shannon Ellis and her husband Bancroft, Dalton Tyler Owens and his wife Margaret, Sean Mitchell and his wife Jessica, and Mandy Bedoy and her husband Ariel, his grand-babies; Madalee, Ethan, Braegha, Eloise, Bancroft, Caden, and Cashel and his brother; Paul Mitchell.

He is proceeded in death by his mother, Charlotte Mitchell. 

In the words of Mitch “You gotta live your life man” and he did just that with unwavering kindness, dedication, and love.

The family request those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to the Lt. Dewey Henry Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Mitch’s life, as both organizations held a special place in his heart. Information for donating to the Lt. Dewey Henry Memorial Scholarship Fund: checks made payable to Local 1403 Charities and sent to Local 1403 Charities 8000 NW 21st Street Suite 222 Miami, FL 33122.