Alfred J. Mitchell, Jr. passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2013, in Milwaukee, after a courageous and determined 30 year battle with heart disease.
Al was born on May 5, 1940 in Punxsutawney, PA. He was the first of four children of Helen D. and the late Alfred J. Mitchell, Sr. of Natrona Heights, PA.
A 1957 graduate of Tarentum (PA) High School, he went on to study chemistry at Penn State and the University of Tulsa. Al had two patents while employed at Alcoa Research and United Technologies in California. He later moved to Wisconsin where he established two successful manufacturing representative businesses, Applications in Motion and Mitchell & Associates, and spent the last 35 years of his life.
Al was known for his brilliant mind and knowledge of large gear box manufacturing and automation control solutions, many for US naval applications. Al's salesmanship and customer care were widely recognized. Al was a voracious reader and loved to play golf, hunt, fish, tinker in his workshop, watch trains, and tend to his gardens. He was known for his culinary skills and original recipes, including his famous 2-bowler aptly called "The Soup". He also treasured the many cats who found him over the years and convinced him to adopt them.
Al is survived by his longtime love and dedicated caregiver, Rebecca Young, cherished daughter, Kimberly J. Mitchell of Atlanta GA, former wife and friend, Judy Mitchell of West Bend WI, brother Charles Mitchell of Tarentum PA; sisters Sally (Fred) Wellinger of Natrona Heights PA, Susan (Ken) Cosentino of Stamford CT, many Mitchell nieces and cousins, and all the Young family who loved him dearly.
The family wishes to thank the countless number of medical providers who traveled Al's journey with him through thick and thin, most especially Drs. Robert Ninneman, Debesh Mazumdar, and Aboud Affi.
As Al would have liked it, a private celebration of his life was held with family and friends during which "Al-ism's" and stories were shared.
If desired, memorials in Al's name may be directed to the donor's charity of choice.