William J. Mitchell, M.D., a past national director of the Academy of Orthopedic and Neurologic Surgeons died on March 31, 2018. He is survived by four loving children: Linda Mitchell and her husband, Roger Kiver; Elizabeth Henry and her husband Paul Henry; William J. Mitchell III; and Eric Mitchell; and two grandchildren, Brendan and Sydney Henry.

He is also survived by sisters Mrs. Shirley Prosperi and Mrs. Joanne Darko and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Mary R. Mitchell; his parents, William J. Mitchell and Marie A. Mitchell of Latrobe, Pa.; and his sister, Mrs. Mimi Pepper.

Dr. Mitchell joined the medical staff of Uniontown Hospital in 1966 where he served as President of Staff and Chairman of the Surgical Department for many years. He received a testimonial from the Pennsylvania Medical Society for his 50 years of Medical Service in 2005. Dr. Mitchell was so dedicated to his patients that he put off retirement indefinitely and worked right up until his death, totaling 63 years of medical service.

He was an avid reader who loved swimming, skiing, beach trips and cooking. His children and grandchildren knew him as a man of deep faith who was devoted to his caring for his wife and encouraging his children and grandchildren to follow their dreams.

Dr. Mitchell graduated from St. Vincent Preparatory School and St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA where he was awarded academic scholarships. He graduated from medical school in 1956 and completed an additional four years of Orthopedic Surgical Training, all at Georgetown University in Washington DC. He was certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery as a Specialist in 1963.

Upon completing his medical training, Dr. Mitchell joined the U.S. Air Force where he was assigned to the position of Chief of Orthopedics, Eighth Air Force, Strategic Air Command during his first tour of duty. Dr. Mitchell was sent to Europe as consultant to the Surgeon General for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. He was awarded the Individual Air Commendation Medal and Campaign Medals for Korea and Vietnam.

Dr. Mitchell's subspecialty was hand surgery. He taught hand surgery for several years at The Advanced Institute in Paris, France. His exhibit on a one-stage procedure to replace a missing thumb with the index finger (pollicization) was awarded The Commendation for Excellence at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery. Among his many surgical achievements, Dr. Mitchell ushered in hip replacement surgery at Uniontown Hospital in 1972, with three operative replacements in one day. He introduced arthroscopic joint surgery in 1983.

His legacy to his family was sharing his love of learning and exemplifying how to live humbly and love deeply.

Visitation will be at the Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, 603 N. Gallatin Ave. Ext., Uniontown, PA on Thursday, April 5, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. and Friday, April 6, until 10:15 a.m. when Prayers of Transfer will be said.

Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11am at St. Mary (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church, Uniontown, with Rev. Father Peter L. Peretti as Celebrant.

Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC with Full Military Honors at a later date.

The Lazarus Ministry will hold a Wake Service on Thursday, at 3 p.m.