John Peter Mitchell obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

John Peter Mitchell, 82, formerly of East Haven, Connecticut, passed away on March 19, 2026 in Anchorage Alaska surrounded by his family. John is survived by his wife Patricia (Heffernan) Mitchell, a daughter Alicia Mitchell (Floyd McMichael) of Alaska, grandchildren, Stephen and Vance, a sister Suzanne Wall, and many other relatives.

John, or Peter as he was known by his family, grew up in East Haven and joined the Air Force a year after graduating from high school although he didn't know what he wanted to do when he grew up. He spent the next 27 years traveling the world until he retired from the Air Force in 1990 and was able to move back to Alaska. He then spent another 18 years working for the State of Alaska in the DOT before fully retiring in 2010.

He loved model railroads, any time spent at his cabin in Cooper Landing, and taking care of his dogs. He spent most of his retirement volunteering at St. Benedict's Catholic Church and Lumen Christi Catholic High School. John was known for being a jack of all trades, as he was able to fix most anything, the love and care he gave to his family, and for his sense of humor.

Family will receive friends on Thursday April 16, 2026 from 9 AM until the time of service at 11 AM in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven with burial to follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery in West Haven. Donations mat be made to the Lumen Christi High School, 8110 Jewel Lake Rd., Anchorage AK 99502 in memory of John Peter Mitchell.