Michael Edward Mitchell

June 19, 1950 - October 25, 2022
Michael Edward Mitchell

Gifts & Memorial Donations



Michael “Mike” Edward Mitchell, 72, of Williamsburg, VA, passed away on October 25, 2022.

Mike was born on June 19, 1950 in Philadelphia, PA. He spent his earliest years with his brother Tom, whom he looked up to tremendously and following his mother’s second marriage he gained sisters Joanne and Patricia and his younger brother, John. During those years, Mike attended Catholic school where he wrestled, played football, and reportedly received regular corporal punishment from the nuns.

Immediately following his high school graduation, Mike followed in his brother’s footsteps and joined the United States Navy. Enlisting July 9, 1968, he trained to be a Boiler Technician (BT) and took great pride joining the crew of DD-805, the USS Chevalier which was a Gearing-class destroyer. The Chevalier took him to and from Vietnam where they took part in numerous combat actions. On June 20, 1972, just 10 days prior to the Chevalier being decommissioned, Mike was honorably discharged from the Navy as a Boiler Technician Third Class.

After leaving the Navy, Mike held an interesting variety of jobs. He was a logger and fur trapper in Northern California where his three sons were born. He was a prison guard in San Luis Obispo, CA where he also attended Cal Poly State University and earned his degree in Economics. Mike used that degree as an insurance investigator for the state of California, and then ultimately switched to his final posting as a State Parole Officer working in San Francisco, CA. Mike worked for the State of California for 26 years.

In June of 1994, Mike married Megumi Kamei in San Francisco, CA, where they lived until they both retired, before moving to one of their favorite vacation destinations, Williamsburg, VA in 2016.

Mike enjoyed doing anything outdoors. He enjoyed biking, walking, hiking, camping, fishing, shooting, backpacking etc.He participated in a handful of martial arts throughout his life, and held a black belt in Aikido. He loved history and was a member of a Civil War reenactment Artillery Battery. He also took great pride in being a veteran and he helped other veterans by volunteering at the local Veterans Affairs hospitals both when he lived in California and Virginia.

Mike will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery on November 2nd, 2022 at 10:00am. He is survived by his wife Megumi, and his three sons, Mike Jr, Nick, and Sean.


Graveside Service

Wednesday, November 2, 2022
10:00 AM

Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery - Directions
5310 Milners Road
Suffolk, VA 23434

Subscribe to this Obituary

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • November 05, 2022
    Florinda Guy says:
    I am very saddened to hear that Mr. Mike has passed. I was his mail carrier for the past five years and he always had a kind words to share whenever I would see him outside or at the mailbox. I will miss seeing him. My prayers are with his wife and family during time like these. May God Blessings Be With Each of You. Love Florinda Mailcarrier

  • November 03, 2022
    Shawn Simmons says:
    Mike was a hard working Parole Agent with a great sense of humor. He was humble and kind and I’m lucky to have had him as a friend. Thank you for serving your country in Vietnam and for serving the State of CA as a dedicated Peace Officer. RIP old friend and I’ll see you on the other side. 🥲

  • November 01, 2022
    Shimako Iwasaki says:
    We are really shocked to hear this very sad news. Mike-san was like my “American Dad.” Thinking of Mike, I immediately see his beautiful smile. I remember his special dishes I never had before, walking on the beach, watching Japanese historical dramas and his favorite war movies, planning something special for Megumi-san, etc. He was both a compassionate landlord and a true friend. I always admired his strength, vigorous sense of justice, challenging spirit and caring heart. Sharing in your sorrow, thinking of you, and wishing we could be there to hold your hand. May your memories give you strength. Shimako & Ari

  • October 28, 2022
    Manny Sanchez & Janine Tirado says:
    Dearest Megumi: Manny and I are so sad. We will greatly miss Mike. I remember the last time we all got together when you came to visit a few years ago. We had a great picnic at Sattui. Please know that you, Mike's sons and Mike are all in our prayers. God bless you all. Janine & Manny.