Michael Merrit Mitchell

Michael passed away January 25th, 2022 in Cedar Sinai Hospital. Mike was born September 24th, 1961 to his parents, Vera and Richard Evangalista. In 1965, Vera married Michael Merrit Mitchell Senior. Mike and his brother, Joseph, were adopted by their step-father and eventually became big brothers to Melissa, their little sister. At the age of eight, Mike requested his name be changed from Michael Renee Evangalista to his adoptive father's full name, making him a Junior. As a youth, Mike was described by his mother as being a well-behaved and dependable boy. He had developed a passion for music. His brother motivated him to learn to play the Bass Guitar. When Mike graduated from Covina High School, he joined the Navy Reserves.
Mike had two long-term marriages. First, Mike married Cynthia Ann Ploehn in 1981. Together, they had two children: Jennifer and Michael III. During this time, he often rode his bike long-distances, flew remote control planes, made things for his children, jammed with his buddies, went camping, and took trips to the beach.
In 2002 he re-married Tracey Wilson who had a 12 year old daughter named Kimberly. Kimberly and her son Christian lived with Mike up until his untimely passing. Mike always loved to play the bass and guitar in his down time. He was so good at it, he played with the band Sasquatch, Fugate, and later with the Road Kill Gypsies. His grandson Christian would usually accompany him to his practices. He enjoyed playing with his grandson and his dogs, Bella and Jazzy. Kimberly used to call him "Miker" , meant as an endearing nickname. She and her son took road trips, visited the beach, watched movies, and listened to music with Mike during the time they lived together.
Mike used to work for B&K electrical wholesalers and also CED. He worked as an electrician for the majority of his life. Those who hired him knew he was really good at what he did.
He took his unofficially adopted daughters, Mikayla and Traci, to concerts often, which always lifted their spirits. Whenever they needed him, he was there. Tracey and Mike used to gift Mikayla and Traci with clothes and toys. He was always generous and kind to them. At a young age, the girls used to call him, "Daddy Mike." He attended both Mikayla and Traci's highschool graduations. He also grandfathered Mikayla's daughter, Amariya.
He was a very handy man. Mike's truck had over 300,000 miles on it, of which he was very proud. He helped his daughters and his son with car troubles and taught them many valuable lessons. Mike was also always humorous and had perfect comedic timing. He often spoke in movie references, such as Austin Powers and Ace Ventura. He was always quoting Rodney Dangerfield and other funny men. He was generous and caring. Many would call him the most selfless guy they knew. To the many people whose hearts he touched, Mike will always be remembered as a father to all who needed one. He will be immensely missed by his "Little Buddies'" (his son and grandson), his daughters (natural and otherwise), his many cousins, aunties, uncles, nieces & nephews, siblings, and especially his loving mother. As he always used to say to his girls, "Love you, Sweetie." We love you, too, Daddy Mike.

Funeral at Forest Lawn - Covina Hills
Monday, February 21st - Viewing from 2-6pm in the Evergreen Room on the 2nd Floor.
Tuesday, February 22nd - Funeral from 2-3:30pm in Heritage Church, then escort to burial site after. Doors open at 2pm. Funeral begins at 2:30pm.