Harold D. Mitchener

Harold D. Mitchener passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne. He was 86 years old. Born on October 23, 1938 in the former Harriman Hospital in Bristol, he was the son of the late Harold G. Mitchener and Lutie Dodson Mitchener. He attended Bristol Borough Public School and was graduated in 1956. While in school he was active in the Boy Scouts Troop #25, the church fellowship group, and was an officer in the Order of De Molay. He was graduated with a BS degree in Education from West Chester University and received a MS degree in Education from the College of New Jersey at Trenton. He was a classroom teacher for 35 years in the Bensalem Township School District.
In 1964, he married Carol Houser and they were happily married for 56 years until her passing in 2020.
Harold was a life member of the First United Methodist Church of Bristol. He and his wife enjoyed all kinds of music, and sang in the Church's vocal choir and played in the Handbell choir. They were also at one time advisors for the youth group and Sunday School teachers. Harold was on the board of the Church and at one time was the Church Lay Leader and was also involved with the Church's Men's Group.
Harold was also a Charter Member of the Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation, where he served on the Board of Directors and as past President. He served as the Editor of their Newsletter for over 30 years, was a walking tour guide, and was involved with Historic Bristol Day.
Harold and his wife enjoyed hosting foreign teachers and students in their home, as part of the America Host Program. They were also members of the Road Scholar Study Group, where they traveled and studied in the U.S. and foreign countries. Harold's favorite way of travel was by railroad. They also enjoyed camping in the eastern United States, eastern Canada, and Australia, and watching the Philadelphia Eagles on TV.
After retirement, Harold and his wife volunteered at the Margaret R. Grundy Library in their history and research area for over 20 years. Harold enjoyed speaking to various service clubs about Bristol's History and attending plays at the Bristol Riverside Theatre.
He was predeceased by his wife, Carol (nee Houser) Mitchener; his sister Eliza Mitchener; his brothers, William Haines and Charles Haines; and his sister-in-law, Lois Houser.
He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Keon (Richard); his sister-in-law, Anne Haines; his brother-in-law, Dr. M. Kenneth Houser (Donna), and his nieces and nephews, Brian Houser, Michelle Perkey (Mike), Dr. Kathy Haines Pederson (Roy), Tom Haines (Cathy), Donna Leduc (Michael), Carolyn Leonard (Steve), and Sandy Gallant (Ron). He is also survived by several cousins; three Godsons, Joshua Palmer, Jeremy Rogers and Jonathan Rogers; and his special friends, Dan and Mary Palmer, Tom and Sally Carter, L.J. Rogers, Frank and Robin Butrey, Jerry and Sharon Kline, and Eugene Williams.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Monday evening, October 13, 2025 from 6-8:00pm at the Wade Funeral Home, 1002 Radcliffe Street, Bristol Borough. His Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday morning, October 14, 2025, 10am at First United Methodist Church of Bristol, 201 Mulberry Street, Bristol Borough. Interment will follow at Bristol Cemetery. There will be no calling hours on Tuesday morning.
In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Bristol, 201 Mulberry Street, Bristol, PA 19007, the Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation, P.O. Box 215, Bristol, PA 19007, or the Margaret R. Grundy Library Historical Collection, 680 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007.
Past Services
Viewing
Monday, October 13, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Wade Funeral Home
Funeral Service
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)
First United Methodist Church
Interment
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Starts at 11:15 am (Eastern time)
Bristol Cemetery