Michael K. Mansfield

MILLERSBURG, PA - MICHAEL "MIKE" K. MANSFIELD passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in Harrisburg, PA. He was 77 years old.

Mike was born in Lynn, MA to Kenneth and Mary (Smith) Mansfield. Throughout his life, Mike lived all over the world due to his father's military service. Mike was very proud of serving with the Navy Seabees during Vietnam. He later lived with his family in Monroe Township, NJ, for over 25 years. Once retired, he traveled for many years and then settled in Millersburg, PA.

Prior to retiring in 2002, Mike was the Animal Control Officer for the East Brunswick Police Department in East Brunswick, NJ for 25 years. He had a deep passion for the wellbeing of all animals and during his career, he educated the public on respecting and showing kindness towards domestic pets and wildlife. He hosted a local television show in the 1980s and also conducted presentations at local schools, accompanied by many of his pets for the students to enjoy. He was involved with the 4-H for many years and always enjoyed helping out in the animal tents at the Middlesex County Fair. Mike was also part of the first graduating class of animal cruelty investigators in New Jersey and one of the original founders of the Animal Rescue Force in East Brunswick, NJ. For many years, the Mansfield residence was a sanctuary for abused and unwanted animals, as well as others, such as numerous breeds of chickens and pigeons that brought Mike much joy. Mike was also involved in wildlife rehabilitation and fostered many orphaned baby animals until their release back into the wild. His work as East Brunswick's Animal Control Officer and his involvement in animal rescue was his legacy, and he passed that love of God's creatures down to his children and grandchildren, as well as many neighbors and friends.

Mike was a free spirit and avid outdoorsman who never shied away from adventure. Whether it be white water rafting in the Youghiogheny River, biking in the mountains of Maine, fishing with the Salmon Society (his group of close friends who went on fishing trips together every year) throughout New England, traveling back and forth between his daughter in Pennsylvania and his son in Texas while enjoying the simple life in his camper, or kayaking and "sleeping with the grizzlies" in Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, Mike loved living life to the fullest.

Mike was an extremely fun father who included his children and their friends in many of his adventures. Some of the most memorable adventures consisted of riding in the back of Dad's pick up truck on the dirt roads of Assunpink Wildlife Management Area, catching frogs on the "frog road" on warm rainy nights, fishing at Helmetta Pond and Farrington Lake, spur of the moment road trips throughout New England, pet shop hopping, rescuing animals, kayaking, and crabbing down the shore...there are just too many precious memories to list. Mike also loved to dance and always ruled the dance floor at celebrations for family and friends. He will be dearly missed.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mary (Smith) Mansfield.

Surviving are his son, Jason Mansfield and his wife, Shamay, of Corpus Christi, TX; his daughter, Jennifer Loudin and her husband, Mark, of Halifax, PA; his sister, Karen Skelly of Florida; his grandchildren, Darian, Kazden, Emmett, and Lily; and many dear friends.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and kindness shown by friends and family during this difficult time. Your prayers, presence, and comforting words have been a source of strength and solace. We are deeply grateful for your friendship and will cherish the memories we share.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm, at The Brunswick Memorial Home, 454 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816.

The Pennsylvania arrangements have being cared for by the staff of Minnich Funeral. We are honored to serve this family at our Hoover-Boyer Funeral Home, Ltd., Millersburg location. To sign the guestbook go to www.minnichfuneral.com.