MITCHELL, Patrick J. 61, of Phoenix, AZ, and Washington, DC, passed away on November 27, 2016. Born in Yuma, AZ, on April 13, 1955, Pat was an accomplished athlete at Yuma High School where he earned MVP honors and was elected student body president. He went on to the University of Arizona where he was elected student body president and from which he graduated. He received his Juris Doctorate from Arizona State University. Pat spent the next 35 years in politics and government fighting to improve the lives of others. He served as a congressional aide to former Arizona Senator Dennis DeConcini, chief of staff to Representative Louise Slaughter from New York, political advisor to former Governor Janet Napolitano and the late Representative Mo Udall from Arizona, and senior advisor to two presidential campaigns. Pat also was a special assistant attorney general for the state of Arizona. He went on to start his own government affairs firm, Strategic Impact in Washington D.C., where he focused on appropriations, water and land management, and higher education issues. A beloved Arizona Wildcat fan, Pat was a member of the Bobcat senior honorary society and served on the university's alumni board. He was also deeply involved with the Yuma community and in supporting Yuma's Catholic High School. Pat will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Henry and Helen (Curry) Mitchell of Yuma, and is survived by his brother, Bryan Mitchell; sister, Kathleen Dyer; nephews, Ian and Dan Mitchell and grandnieces, Erin and Emily Mitchell. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Yuma, AZ. A Vigil and Rosary will be held at 11:00 a.m., at JOHNSON MORTUARY, followed by a Mass at 1:00 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 505 S. Avenue B, Yuma, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in his name to the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund (fanconi.org).

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Dec. 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Patrick MITCHELL

17 Entries

Steve Cranford

December 30, 2023

You remain a vivid presence in my life Pat.
A good man and better friend, brought back to mind again this day as finally visiting your home town.
Your smile and presence the best ever...you are missed

Ron Piceno

November 26, 2022

Pat, you have Ed up there with you now. I'm sure you two are having a good old time on Heaven's golf courses and 19th holes. Competing for who could tell the tallest tale. Save me a seat on the golf cart.

Danny Mahon

November 30, 2018

Pat--It's been two years since we last welcomed your dashing smile and heard your friendly voice. A lot of people,me included,still think about you on a daily with nothing but broad smiles and the best of memories. The world was a much better place when you were around to share it with.

Richard Schoell

March 27, 2017

From our days working on University programs from Illinois to Arizona to our projects in Israel and the Middle East you were always a wonderful colleague. More importantly you were a real friend and genuine friendship is a rare and treasured gift. I will miss you dear friend.....Rick Schoell

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Sean Gard

January 11, 2017

15 years ago, Pat took a chance on me and gave me a start in DC. I owe a tremendous amount to him and I will miss him. He was a friend and mentor.

We lived busy lives but he was always generous with his time when I sought out his advice and counsel. Through the years, we had a lot of good memories, including two Democratic Conventions.

Most of all, I feel very fortunate that in the past year, Pat and I really reconnected and, like all old friends, it was like a day hadn't passed.

Pat will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

THOMAS ODONNELL

December 13, 2016

Worked Paul Simon for President Campaign with Pat. Actually roomed together for about 6 months in DesMoines.. Great guy, great memories...too young. He will be missed.

Kate Head

December 12, 2016

So sad and such a shock. I was a friend in DC circles in the 80s and beyond, and he was always such a smart politico that was generous with his time, phone book and advice. He will be missed in DC.

Paul Giorgio

December 9, 2016

I fondly remember Pat from my days doing Advance. Our fraternity is small and he will be missed . My thoughts are with his family in their time of sorrow
Paul Giorgio
Massachusetts

Robert Healy

December 7, 2016

Shocked and more importantly instantly saddened. Pat had forgotten more about politics and policies than most people ever knew. He was a friend--and truly helpful as we retired and moved to Arizona. All the adjectives apply to Pat. So young and so tragic.

Linda Parker-Fedak

December 7, 2016

I was very shocked and saddened to learn of Pat passing away. I admired him very much during our years at Yuma High. He was very popular and an honest to goodness nice guy. My condolences to his family and friends. Another classmate taken way too soon. He will be missed.

Richard Mayol

December 6, 2016

Pat was a dear friend, colleague and veteran of many campaigns on which we worked together. I will always remember all the good times we had and victories we shared. Rest in peace Pat.

Rochelle Dornatt

December 5, 2016

Pat was a friend and colleague on Capitol Hill. He was always there when you needed quick advice or a hearty laugh. I will remember him fondly.

December 5, 2016

Kathy, Bryan and Family,
We are deeply sorry for the loss of your brother. You must be very proud of his many accomplishments.
Neighbors Greg and Bev

Monica Mikols

December 5, 2016

Another fellow Criminal has fallen and gained wings in heaven. Fond memories our our time in high school when I think of Pat. My sympathy to his family and friends. God speed.

Tom Achen

December 4, 2016

Pat was a member of the Yuma Union High School "Criminals" football team graduating with a "perfect" football record. Very few can say they belonged to a varsity team with such a record. Unfortunately the record was all losses. You would never know that according to Pat. He considered us winners! What I remember about Pat - he was a perfectly loyal teammate & friend. Pat believed in us and never let us forget that. A man of truly loving character. I am better having known Pat & hope that all that knew Pat remember this about Him. God Bless you Pat. THANK YOU!

Ron Piceno

December 4, 2016

I can't believe he's gone. Pat was a good guy to say the least. He was always laughing and working for the betterment of folks who were without. Rest in peace Pat, I know the angels are welcoming your company.

December 2, 2016

The Bowers family will always hold fond memories of Pat and consider him a brother to our brother Tom. He lives on in our hearts as well as in many many hearts in Arizona and across this great nation. Rest in peace now, friend. We will smile up at you through the stars, and we will hear your kazoo in the wind. We look forward to being with you again. Godspeed.

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