Dr. Robert "Bob" L. Mitten

Dr. Robert Lee Mitten, 77, of Raleigh, North Carolina and formerly of York, Pennsylvania, passed away on May 26, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, sibling, cousin, veteran, educator, and community leader, Bob lived a life marked by service, integrity, and a deep commitment to family, country and community.

Born on July 17, 1947, Bob graduated from West Chester Senior High School in 1965 and earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1969. He later received both his M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Economics of Education and Regional Planning from Penn State University in 1975.

Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve, Bob served on active duty from December 1969 to October 1971, including a tour in Vietnam. For his valor and dedication, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with five battle stars. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and served as West Point Admissions Area Coordinator from 1979-1988.

Bob dedicated his professional life to public education. He served as Assistant Executive Director for Management at Lincoln Intermediate Unit No. 12 (1979-1985) and later as Assistant Superintendent of Business for the School District of the City of York, retiring in 2004. Bob was a founding member of the York General Authority and President of the York Labor Management Council. Bob was also an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in York, PA and the Quaker Meeting in Wellsville, PA and Raleigh, NC.

In his retirement, Bob loved working with his friends at Home Depot, golfing, cheering on the Penn State football team and spending time with his family and friends. He especially loved his family beach vacations where he looked for shark’s teeth that could only be found by his granddaughter Grace and flew his kites. Bob was also a lifelong avid reader and could often be found reading several novels on American history at one time.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of over 55 years Jayne E. (Hubley) Mitten, his daughters Jennifer Mitten Hallman, Leigh Mitten Vazquez (Frank); siblings Barbara M. Hancock (Mike), C. Stephen Mitten (Jolynne); grandchildren Grace Hallman Allred (Davion), Megan Hallman, Nina Vazquez, Selena Vazquez, and Dylan Vazquez; and his brand new great-granddaughter Catherine Allred.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd., York with Certified Celebrant Amy Favorito officiating. A visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Burial of cremated remains will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery with full military honors provided by the York County Veterans Honor Guard.

Donations in Bob’s memory can be sent to York City Dollars for Scholars, Inc, P.O. Box 2261, York, PA 17405.

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