Mitchel Alan Neufeld

Age 76

On the morning of April 7, 2026, Mitch unexpectedly departed Good Samaritan Hospital to sing with the angels. He was born on July 8, 1949 in Fresno, the eldest of three sons of Herman and Vernn Neufeld. He grew up in the mountain community of Ahwahnee, attended a two room school house through 8th grade and graduated from Sierra High School in 1967. He was very proud to have earned the rank of Eagle Scout which included completing a 50 mile hike. In the summer after graduating, Mitch performed in the melodrama “The Drunkard” with the Golden Chain Theatre in Oakhurst.

After high school, Mitch got his AA degree from Fresno City College, his BA from Pacific College in Fresno and his MM from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music in Stockton. It was at UOP that Mitch met his future wife, Jane, who was finishing her BA degree.

After completing his masters degree, Mitch followed Jane to San Jose and worked in the paint manufacturing industry for over 15 years. In 1993 he was ready for a change and opened the Bulb Store in Sunnyvale with a partner. They sold the store several years later and Mitch worked with the new owners who expanded the inventory to include batteries. Mitch developed an expertise in replacing watch batteries for customers.

While working full-time, Mitch also sang with several musical organizations:

Scholar Opera: “The Magic Flute” and “Help, Help, The Globolinks!”

West Bay Opera: “The Bartered Bride”, “Die Fledermaus” and “The Gypsy Baron”

Monterey Symphony a concert version of Die Fledermaus

Gilbert and Sullivan Sullivan Society of San Jose: “The Mikado”, The Pirates of Penzance”, “Iolanthe” and “Princess Ida”

He also sang for churches and at weddings (including his own!)

In his spare time, Mitch enjoyed working with wood and made cabinets for the bathroom, kitchen and garage as well as a hope chest, work carts and saw horses.

Mitch is survived by his wife, Jane, brother Cliff and his wife Kerry, nephews Luke and Tony. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Stephen and nephew Josh.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Friday May 8, 2026 at Foothill Community Presbyterian Church, 5301 McKee Road, San Jose 95127.