John D. Mitchell Sr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John D. Mitchell of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, who died peacefully in his sleep on May 3, 2025, at the age of 76. Born in the Bronx on November 28, 1948, John was the son of the late Clifford and Nancy (O’Connor) Mitchell.

John is survived by his loving wife, Kristine (Evers) Mitchell; his children John (Isabella), Laurie, Patrick, Michael (Matthew), and Tracy (Michael). John, Laurie, Patrick, and Michael were the children of John and his first wife, Lorraine. He was the proud grandfather of Johnny (Emily), Angelina, and Mikayla. He is also survived by his sister Louanne (Stephen) and brother Michael (Carmen), and was predeceased by his brothers James and Thomas.

A passionate advocate for public service, environmental stewardship, and community leadership, John dedicated his life to making a difference—professionally, civically, and personally.

John enjoyed a remarkable 39-year career with Consolidated Edison, culminating in his leadership role at ConEdison Solutions. He was recognized nationally for his work to promote energy efficiency in government facilities, receiving the inaugural Louis R. Harris, Jr. Award from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program in 2000. This honor reflected his extraordinary contributions to helping federal agencies—including the U.S. Postal Service, Department of Defense, and Veterans Administration—achieve their energy goals.

Following his retirement from the energy sector, John remained a vital force in civic life. He served as a Bergen County Freeholder from 2011 to 2013, including a term as Chairman in 2012. He was also a leader in Rotary International, serving as District Governor of Rotary District 7490 and as a multiple-term president and longtime member of the Rotary Club of Fort Lee. Through his work with Rotary, he lived out the motto "Service Above Self" and inspired countless others to do the same.

John’s commitment to mental health advocacy and social services led him to serve on the Board of Trustees at CarePlus NJ and other local organizations such as Bright Side Manor and the Bergen County Audubon Society. He also served the Archdiocese of Newark in ecumenical roles, reflecting his belief in interfaith collaboration and community healing.

A proud Bronx native, John was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Knicks, never missing a chance to cheer on his teams.

Above all, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was known for his quick wit, generous spirit, and unwavering sense of purpose.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in his memory to The Alzheimer’s Association and Church of the Epiphany “Heritage Fund” Cliffside Park, NJ.