October 14, 1947 – June 8, 2020
Senior Master Sergeant, USAF, Retired
Vietnam Veteran
Mitch, 72, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his beloved family. He was the first of eight children born to Frances Hazel (Parker) (1929-2001) and Unwor Abdul Hamdeed (1928-2004) in Boston, MA. He graduated from South Boston High in June 1966, immediately joined the USAF effective August 1, 1966, and married Patricia Lee Wingert (1948-2015) on November 13, 1967 in Chino, CA.
Mitch’s military career in Security Police and Law Enforcement was remarkable; a true veteran who served every day, every act, every deed with integrity, dedication and an unwavering commitment to duty, honor, country second to none. His tour in Vietnam, 1968-1969, exemplified this commitment, where he earned The Bronze Star Medal, with Valor, for heroism at Binh Thuy Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on September 29, 1968. While in Vietnam, his first child was born stateside in August 1968. Throughout his career, he was stationed in California twice, Texas, Guam, Vietnam, Germany twice, New York, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Colorado, all the while, stayed the course to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice on June 13, 1986. After serving 18 years in Law Enforcement and final two years as First Sergeant, he retired in March 1987 at Lowry AFB, Denver, CO, for a total of 20 years, 5 months, and 19 days.
As he began a new career path in Contract Security, Mitch served with the same military commitment and dedication for American Protective Services, Inc. from March 1984-August 1998 and Advantage Security, Inc. from July 1999-February 2018, crossing Colorado, California, Missouri, Massachusetts and back to Colorado. During this span, he married Summer Novena Shaffer on October 27, 1990 in Pasadena, CA. They had four children between 1992-1999 and settled in Colorado Springs at same residence for the past seventeen and a half years.
Mitch was preceded in death by several uncles and aunts. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, spouse Summer; first son with Patty, Eric (Leslie); three sons and one daughter with Summer, Everett (Basia), Elliott (Erin), Elijah, and Annena; two grandchildren, Melanie Cammarata and Reginald Hamdeed; six sisters and one brother, Laura Lennon, Linda (Ed) Nastar, Rosemary (Brian) Mulhern, Diane (Jim) Sheehy, Kathy (Jack) Theobald, June Hamdeed, and Ralph (Sylvia) Hamdeed; father-in-law, Roy E. Shaffer; sister-in-law, Dawn Sloan; brothers-in-law, Roy (Shirley) Shaffer, Jr., Ron (Debbie) Shaffer, and Roman (Hiroko) Shaffer; four great grandchildren and numerous first and second cousins, nephews and nieces.
Growing up, he was affectionately referred to by his beloved mother and siblings as “Butch.” At home, Mitch enjoyed movies, newest technology, digital photography, and gardening. He was the kids’ homework/school project parent and the family chef. He had a great sense of humor and could troll with the best of intentions. He made a positive, commanding, and lasting impression upon everyone he met. Mitch will forever be remembered as a man who believed in God, Family and Country. Mitch’s legacy is his family.
A special thank you to all of Mitch’s doctors and nursing staffs and medical support agencies who rendered medical care to him over the years, as well as to the team at Colorado Palliative & Hospice Care during his final months. Thank God for each of you and your undying service and dedication to humanity.
A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2020 from 0900-1315 hours at Mountain View Mortuary, 2320 Montebello Square Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918; 719-590-8922; www.dignitymemorial.com.
Visitation: 0900-1000
Celebration of Life: 1000-1200
Reception/Catering: 1200-1315
Burial: 1315-1430 (travel 1315-1350, burial 1400-1430)
Pikes Peak National Cemetery,
10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925; 719-216-1025.
**Due to covid-19 restrictions, the burial portion of the service is reserved for immediately family (limit is ten people). Visitation at the cemetery will be open effective 24 June 2020. Call ahead for additional instructions or information.
If so inclined, please send flowers to the funeral home or contribute to your favorite charity.
Live Streaming of visitation, celebration of life, reception and burial will be available.
Please join us for livestreaming at: https://www.facebook.com/Mountain-View-Mortuary-109760140680374/
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