Robert “Bob” Andrew Mitchell, 89, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away Thursday, March 4, 2021.

A celebration of life will be held this summer.  

Bob was born Dec. 14, 1931, to Robert and Gladys (Fuhrman) Mitchell of Philadelphia. They moved to Montgomery County when he was 10. Bob graduated from high school in 1949 and received a full scholarship to Yale University. At Yale, he was active in choral groups and the rowing team. 

Following graduation in 1954, he was accepted into the Naval Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an ensign on completion. He remained in the Naval Reserves for 21 years and retired as a full commander. Following his service, Bob began architecture school at the University of Pennsylvania. He worked with firms in Connecticut, Philadelphia, Montana, Alaska, and later North Dakota as a historic preservation architect. 

In retirement, Bob was active with Yale Alumni committees, Alaska Association of Historic Preservation, Friends of Nike Site Summit, Alaska Chamber Singers, Anchorage Waterways Council, Friends of Anchorage Refuge and Opportunities for Lifelong Education. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen (Hollingsworth/Irish) Mitchell of Anchorage, Alaska, formerly of Woonsocket; his son, Jason Mitchell of Missoula, Mont.; stepdaughters, Dori (Bob) Olsen, Jill Lerner, and Holly (Darby) Hobson; brother, Charles (Delores) Mitchell, five nephews; one niece; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ian Mitchell; his parents; sister, Jean; and brother-in-law, Warren Jacobs.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alaska Association for Historic Preservation, Alaska Chamber Singers and Anchor Park Methodist Church.