John R.C. Mitchell
Virginia Beach – Capt. John R.C. Mitchell, USN Retired, 81, reached out and took the Lord’s hand on Monday, May 30, 2011. Capt. Mitchell was born in Youngstown, OH, graduated from Quincy High School in 1947, from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952 and received his Navy Wings in 1953. He was a veteran having served in the US Navy for 28 years and was a candidate for the Mercury Astronaut Program. Capt. Mitchell served as a Squadron Commander, Airgroup Commander, F-14 Project Manager NAVAIR, the Commanding Officer of the USS Sylvania and the USS John F. Kennedy. After retiring he went to work for a Navy Ship Repair Facility. He was a man of many talents, an artist, a writer, and a pilot. Capt. Mitchell had a passion for the sea and spending time with his beloved grandchildren, Jack, Erin, Daly, Emily, Matt and JJ.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 34 years, Janellen; children, John McHugh, Katherine Nickel, Marcie McHugh, Joanne Ourednick, John Mitchell, Harold Mitchell, Dana Mitchell, Ardis Yahna and their spouses; and host of grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 3rd at 7:00pm at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 712 Little Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Operation Smile or Autism Speaks. Condolences may be expressed to www.cremate.org.