John G. Mitchell, Jr.

John Gerard Mitchell Jr., 30, passed away on the morning of Monday, June 29.

Born on Monday, May 28, 1990 in Whittier, CA and raised in Bogota, NJ.  He attended St. Joe's K-5, 6th grade at Bixby, Bogota HS 7th & 8th grade. Throughout those years, starting at a very young age, Johnny always played an active role on any baseball, basketball or football team that he was a part of.

High school was where his fondest memories were made.  He was a proud graduate of Bergen Catholic High School - Class of 2009. Johnny's commitment and dedication as an active player and captain of the football team was second to none; an absolute workhorse. He was capable of playing any position on the field; as long as he was playing. He played many positions as RB, LB, Safety & Special Teams. He was an extremely talented athlete who loved the game; the physicality of it, the sound of the fans in the crowd, the music blasting, that feeling that runs through your veins on game day. He had pride, a sense of belonging, a feeling of being successful, someone who exemplified leadership qualities.  Johnny received multiple offers from colleges but due to a shoulder injury, an unsuccessful surgery and unimproved therapy, he dealt with the pain and lived with it. He faced some hardships, struggles & loss in his life, but was hopeful he would get through it.

Johnny was an avid music lover who enjoyed attending concerts and playing songs at a high level. He had a passion for cars and loved to lean back and live in the fast lane. He had a love for fashion, making sure he was always looking fresh and presentable at all times. He had a strong, pleasant disposition with a kind heart and gentle soul.

Johnny loved the beach and anything to do with water. He spent many summers and weekends with family and friends at the family beach house along with taking trips along the coast to enjoy some sun and sand.

Johnny was an employee at the Bergen County Utilities Authority in Little Ferry, NJ as a plant attendee for over three years along with working part-time at Metlife Stadium as a parking attendant for many years. He was a team player, in all that he did.

Devoted father to Blair. Beloved son of Lois & John. Loving brother to Kerianne and Joseph. Proud uncle to Javier. Godson to Brian Murphy and Nancy Delaney Bueschen. Survived by his grandmother, Nancy Duffy Mitchell; aunts and uncles Anne Marie Mitchell, Eileen Mitchell Grimes, James Mitchell, Thomas Mitchell, Joe & Leslie Mitchell, Beverly & Dan DeSeno, Steve Bueschen.  Cousin to Thomas Patrick Grimes, Rebecca Grimes, Todd Bueschen, Kevin Bueschen, Timothy Buesiichen, Kathleen Bueschen, Anthony DeSeno, Brian DeSeno, Zachary Mitchell, Brian Mitchell, Ian Mitchell. Respected by co-workers, colleagues, teammates & friends.

Viewing will take place at Petrik's Funeral Home in Bogota, NJ on Tuesday, July 7 from 2-4pm & 7-9pm. *Due to COVID-19, we ask that all adhere to wearing a face mask and practice social distancing.

Funeral will take place on Wednesday, July 8. Mass will take place at St. Joseph's Church in Bogota, NJ at 9:30am and burial at George Washington Memorial in Paramus, NJ to follow.

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

In lieu of food and flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Money for Mitch Fund in honor and memory of Johnny for his daughter Blair.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/johnny-mitchell-jr039s-memorial?teamInvite=9GNGl0P6bBR73AIoIbKZcT1JDWP5wOWP3BckHukwi0ryNZeiyszawL8ZlKEySdpz