J. Mitchell "Mitch" DeSantis, MM3 USN, 74, of Bethel Park, formerly of Monongahela, passed away peacefully with family by his side and Skynyrd on the radio on October 18, 2026. He was born on October 25, 1951 to John and Eileen Evans DeSantis and grew up on River Hill. He graduated from Elizabeth Forward High School in 1969 and attended California State College before enlisting in the US Navy and serving on the USS John King during the Vietnam War.

He was an avid sports fan and athlete throughout his younger years, playing little league baseball under coach, Pirate, and mentor, Ron Necciai. He's also told a tale to anyone who will listen of a time he intercepted five passes from a teenage Joe Montana. After Vietnam, he tried out for the White Sox and would have made it if an injury wouldn't have slowed him down. He proudly continued his softball career as a catcher with his friends at the Outhouse Bar.

A proud teamster, Mitch worked for Fox Grocery, Wetterau, and Super Valu at the Belle Vernon warehouse, retiring when it closed and returning to school at Penn Commercial and California University. He took that knowledge to work for Alstom in Speers until his second and final retirement.

After retirement, Mitch connected with his soulmate, Nancy, at a class reunion. They made their home together in Bethel Park, Maderia Beach, Florida, and Sandy Lake, where he went with his family as a child.

Mitch leaves behind his life partner of thirteen years, Nancy Niccolai; son, Chad Mitchell DeSantis and his wife, Michelle; bonus daughters, Sherry Niccolai, Shelley Niccolai Nill and her husband David.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Kathi "Byrd" DeSantis.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the B.P.O. Elks Lodge #455, 444 Jackson Street, Monongahela on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM with his son, the Rev. Chad DeSantis officiating. Committal services and inurnment with full military honors will be held at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017 on Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM. Family and friends that are attending are asked to meet at the cemetery and to promptly be there between 12:45 and 1:00 PM. Arrangements are entrusted to the Frye Funeral Home.