I met Joseph Mitrano at Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan, early in 1977.  My husband Paul and I had left the comforts of home for an Air Force civilian accounting job in the Combat Support Group, Kadena AB.  I joined the Catholic group at the Base Chapel, including the choir, where I soon met Joe.  He was a great airman and always a person of commitment, determination and faith.  He had a smile for everyone and encouraged me to make a Cursillo retreat, which I did.  Joe was a great cook.  I remember one time when he came over and made pizza for a group of us.  One sad note was when our new choir director, Sal Deschino, passed away.  Joe was a tremendous comfort to the family.  We left Kadena in April of '79 and transferred to Germany, before finally coming back home to Denver in 1981.  Joe and I continued to send Christmas cards to each other even after he retired from the Air Force and took a job with Disney.  I never met Sheila but talked with her this week, and she is a lovely lady.  She and Joe were very happy.  Rest in peace, dear Joseph, and be with the Lord.

From the first moment I met Joe I found him to be a fun loving, respectful ,religious, sensitive man. He and Shelia complimented each other and were so well suited. God bless you Joe  and may you be making new friends in heaven. 

I’ll never forget the day Joe walked into Sheila’s life because that day he walked into mine.   I had the privilege of marrying them 15 years ago and I can honestly say it was one of the happiest days of their lives. His love for her was unconditional and he made her so happy. They were two peas in a pod.  I will truly miss him and may he Rest In Peace.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all Joe's family,  friends and military comrades, especially to Sheila and our mutual USAF SAC missile and BUFF Warriors. Joe was my assistant teamchief on the flightline at Mather AFB. I was the new guy arriving with rank and became teamchief. Joe showed me the ropes and the rest was all good. I never worried about a job done right. He became a trusted friend and was best man at my wedding. He was a man of conviction, strength and integrity and had a great sense of humor.  I always lost the wager when we played "Cokes for the team". He enjoyed embarrassing me in public when shopping at automotive stores. He'd wander off, come up behind me, flip open his wallet, grab me by the collar and in a loud voice say, "I'm with the OSI, we've been watching you sir, please come with us"! People would come from everywhere to see what was happening.  I miss the fun we had, whether working on the flightline or on our vehicles together. We did resemble each other a bit.. His other famous line at the cashier's was "We're the Mitrano Brothers... he's Engeldinger and I'm Mitrano".  Rest in peace, my good friend, SAC Warrior, trusted teammate. We had great bosses at Mather together, and I'm so glad you and I made the ranks we did. You deserved much better from those you honorably served under those following years. I wished we had more time together.  But now I know the Lord has rewarded and greeted you with, "Well done, good and faithful servant".   Paul Engeldinger, MSgt, USAF, Ret.

We had the pleasure of meeting Joe & Sheila a couple years ago when they were searching for a new car. They were both so sweet to work with, and when Joe stopped by a few times to say hi he always had such a vibrant smile and personality. We hope he thoroughly enjoyed his beautiful Escalade, and we are thankful we got to know him over these past couple years. Our deepest condolences go out to Sheila, their family, and friends. Joe was an incredible man. With love -Bridget & Scott Small at Upfront Automotive Group. 

Joe and I worked together for over ten years at Disney, We became friends and our families got to hangout together creating great life long memories. Joe was the voice of reason between me and Marcos and Jimmy. Joes laugh and smile was always genuine and he had a heart of gold. Joe would give you the shirt off his back if you were a friend of his. Rest In Peace my friend you will be missed!!!

Hollywood Studios great times.  I cherish those memories.  Joe was always so kind to me and my family.  My condolences to the family and his friends who he cherished.  Rest In Peace

Joe was a great character.  As his dentist we hit it off really well.  Half of the time we found ourselves chatting about everything under the sun and not doing much dentistry.  He was a great man to know and I too will miss him greatly.  I would see him and Sheila around town enjoying a bite and planning their next escapade.   Joe my friend may you be basking in the glory of God in all that was promised.  We will miss you for now but we will see each other again, of that I am sure.  Sheila may God comfort you in this time of need, know we are here if you need us.  Take care.

Jose E. Garcia , D.D.S.

Joe was a good man,  a good husband to my good friend Sheila, and a good friend to me. 

Uncle Joe loved his family with all his heart! 

Sheila this is so sad to hear about Joe. I have good memories of our lunches we shared with Joe at the Lake Mary office and the times we all shared at dinner.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  May you find comfort and strength during this time.

We started off as co-workers and ended up as friends.  The tranisiton was easy because he was such a great guy.  Easy to talk to, funny, and caring.  He was unique and his absense will be felt for a loooong time.  Rest in peace dear friend.  Until we meet again.  My condolences to Sheila, who he loved for than himself, and to the family.

I met Joe in January 1989 at GLCM Training at Davis Monthan AFB Arizona. We became life long friends the day we met.  Joe (as a true leader) took several of us military younger folk under his wing.... we all called him Dad from then on.  Joe and I went on serving overseas together, roomed together, went on patrol together, and came back from overseas together. He was my life long friend. Joe served the AF honorably,  he sacrificed a lot for his Nation for this was just a testament to his personality and who he was. Honest, moral, ethical, trustworthy, dedicated, loyal and a Loving soul. I will miss his presence on this Earth but am Thankful Joe remains in my heart mind and soul....Great Memories!

Thank you Joe for being a part of our lives.   We will miss you!  May the Lord grant you eternal rest.  To all of Joe's family may the Lord carry you in his arms and give you comfort.  We are grateful for all of our memories we had with Joe and some of his family.  Mike and Peggy Gaertig

Joe was one of the sweetest guys I've ever known.  Sheila and Joe were the perfect couple.  He will be missed.   Rest in Peace. Carol & Griff Detrick

Uncle Joe officiated my wedding .... again

What a great and pleasant guy!  Not enough like him on this earth today.  May God welcome you home and comfort your loved ones who miss you.

Joseph you were not just my dearest friend, but I am honored to call you, MY BROTHER. I will miss you dearly. I love you very, very much. Marcos and Maria

Joe was one of the most kind, selfless, giving people I know. We always had the best talks. I loved his smile and his zest for life! His character was unmatched. I admired how he showed love for his wife and his pets openly. He was an honest man. I will miss him dearly. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again.

It'll be so weird not seeing this kind soul ever again. Such a kind man and never had a bad word to say bout anyone. He was a very loving husband to my good friend Sheila and he will be greatly missed. 

I remember Joe as a gentle kind of guy with a way of making people feel comfortable. It is truly a blessing to have known him. Rest in Peace

I will always love you we had a beautiful life.     Sheila

I will always love you what a beautiful life I had with you Joe  I’ll miss you forever       Sheila

You were a blessing to all, Joseph.
 May you rest in the loving arms of Jesus.

  Ray and Cheryl

OBITUARY

Joseph Mitrano

November 19, 1950 – February 3, 2022

Deltona Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens

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