My wife and I have had the privilege of getting to know Derek through work on and off throughout the past 5+ years.  He was always so full of such positive energy and joy.  He really took the time to get to know us personally and was always so genuinely interested  in how us and our family were doing.  Derek was a special man and truly will be missed.

Literally worked next to Derek for the last 3 years.  As so many have said, his smile and positive spirits, no matter the stress levels, hours, or difficulty of the task, were constant.  Some of his phrases to reset you, like calling you a "goon" were so Derek!  He was a man of tremendous character and quality. Derek was so very devoted to his family and his country.  I have learned so much about how to live and enjoy from observing Derek.  At work there are so many of us in shock, as so many of us considered Derek a good friend.  He will be sorely missed on so many levels. 

To the parents of Derek, his two incredible boys Tony and Connor and his entire family in and out of uniform. Derek holds a special place in my heart. Having worked with him at Lockheed Martin for nearly his entire career he is the kind of person we all aspire to be like. Loving, dedicated, committed, strongest of values, committed to family and the nation. Derek’s impact will be felt for a very long time and I am particularly blessed to have known him. I will miss him, the Lockheed Martin Family will miss him but we will continue to honor his legacy. God speed. Sincerely Deon Viergutz

I was so sad to hear of Derek’s passing. I worked with Derek at LM and admired his intelligence and engaging personality. He always treated me with respect and kindness and was often the bright light in my long work day. The world will truly miss him. 

My sincere and deepest sympathy for Derek’s family. 

Derek was a fellow Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) and I had the privilege of working with him during a tour at NIOC Colorado.  I'm so shocked to hear of his unexpected passing and pray that his family find strength in one another during this difficult time.  RIP brother.

"The Watch"

For years
This sailor has stood the watch
While some of us were in our bunks at night
This sailor stood the watch

While some of us were in school learning our trade
This shipmate stood the watch

Yes.. even before some of us were born into this world
This shipmate stood the watch

In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history
This shipmate stood the watch

Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there
Needing his guidance and help
Needing that hand to hold during those hard times
But he still stood the watch

He stood the watch for years
He stood the watch so that we, our families and
Our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, Each and every night
Knowing that a sailor stood the watch

Today we are here to say
'Shipmate... the watch stands relieved
Relieved by those You have trained ,Guided, and Led
Shipmate you stand relieved.. we have the watch.

An amazing communicator, friend, father, and husband.  His eyes and smile lit up the room.  Always upbeat and positive and brought the best out of each and every one of us.  I'm pretty sure he knew everything  and he never seemed to have a bad day, ever!  I'm better for having known and served with him.  Chris Mucci and I babysat Tony (then 4 yo) the day Connor came in to the world on Christmas Day in Virginia.  Such great memories from Kami as well as Virginia.  He will be missed.
Thanks for all the laughs and memories!

I was shocked, and saddened by Derek's passing.  My deepest sympathy goes to the entire family.  I will miss you, my friend.  

Deik and Christine and Kim and I met at a little Navy outpost in Japan back in the 80's at the height of the Cold War and the thing that struck me about that whole (first) tour was just the quality of the people we had the privilege to serve alongside.  Deik was one of the best and from the very first day, I have to say that it never felt like an accident.  Deik and so many other folks there changed me - they made me a better human being.  And knowing the impact they had on Kim and I, it's no surprise, I think, that we not only stayed in touch, but that we found a way to be together again over the years regardless of the distance between us and regardless of the things that stood in our way.  We shared the same sacrifices.  He let us into his family.  He was our brother ... and we will miss him forever. So until that day when we might finally meet again... God Speed old friend.   We love you.    

I met Deik when I served with him at Kami.  He was possibly one of the most intelligent guys I ever met, but he never ever spoke down to anyone.  His smile lit up the room.   He was that great all around guy, the guy that if you had a problem he would always help you out.   I will forever be grateful for the friendship.  To the Mitchell Family I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.  Deik was one of the kind and will be forever missed.

Please accept my sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy.  Derek spoke of his sons, his dogs, his interests outside of work.  A confident guy, always pleasant and encouraging.  It was my privilege to work with and get to know Derek a little.  I’ll miss him, but I won’t forget him.  I’m so sorry for your loss.

I served with Derek on USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), in the mid90’s.  What I remember most is that he always had a smile on his face.  We had some good times in port during our maiden voyage in 1994.  Although I hadn’t seen him in many years I thought about him quite often.  May he Rest In Peace.

Matt Genovese

Every time Deik asked me to do something, he always, always said "Thank you." I said to him once that it was job and he didn't need to thank me. His reply was, "But it's nice to hear, isn't it?" To this day, I think of him when I say thank you. I'm sad to hear he is gone. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Derek Vincent Mitchell

10 décembre 1965 – 30 décembre 2022

Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Aurora

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