Joshua William Mitten, age 49, of Wooster, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at The Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland). He was a loving father, husband, son, brother, and uncle who adored spending time with his family and was always there for anyone that needed him. He will be forever missed and LOVED ALWAYS.
Josh was born in Wooster, OH on August 7, 1974 to William J. and Beverly A. Mitten. He graduated from Waynedale High School in 1993 before going on to attend Malone University and the University of Akron, studying both music and business. Josh then went to work a number of jobs in the factory, retail, and restaurant industries.
Many years later, after having major heart issues, Josh went back to school at the Wayne County Career Center and earned his LPN license. Eventually, he received a heart transplant at The Cleveland Clinic in September 2022. The family would like to thank The Cleveland Clinic for their many years of care and compassion.
Josh most enjoyed watching his sons play sports and participate in numerous activities; playing games with his sons; spending time with family; reading, watching movies, playing and listening to music, attending concerts, playing golf, anything Star Wars, watching Cleveland sports; and vacationing with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Stephanie (Myers) Mitten; sons, Liam Joshua Mitten (18) and Cason Paul Mitten (9); his parents; sister, Jessica (Quinn) McConnell; niece, Mariah McConnell; nephew, Owen McConnell; aunt, Polly (Michael) Barnes; brother-in-law, Daniel Myers, all of Wooster; uncle, Grayson (Donna) Cason of Lake City, FL; and sister-in-law, Lauren Chitty of St. Augustine FL.
The family is asking that donations be made in Josh’s name to the Waynedale Wrestling “Mat Backers” at P.O. Box 106 Apple Creek, OH 44606. Josh was an organ recipient and donor who would want others to consider organ donation to help save and improve the quality of life for those that are fortunate enough to receive a donation.
A private family memorial service will be held.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
To Stephanie and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Sandy Streets
Stephanie, Liam, and Cason,
We extend our deepest sympathy to you.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
My sympathy to all the Mitten family. Josh was a good friend and we were close back in the day. Prayers to all.
The Fowler Family will always remember our neighborhood buddy! Smiling, laughing, playing, and enjoying life to the fullest! Keep those beautiful red curls my friend! All our love always!
Stephanie Liam and Cason. Praying for strength during this time. We are so sorry for u to our loss..
I am sorry to hear of Josh’s passing. It had been a long time since I had seen him but when I had seen online of his heart transplant I was really pulling for him. My fondest memory of Josh was when we played tennis with a group of mutual friends. I had never played tennis before but we had some awesome points back and forth. It was a blast and even though he won Josh was very cool and said that he had a great time. I’ll never forget that. He will truly be missed. Prayers and condolences to his entire wonderful family.
We are so sorry ! You are all in our prayers. The Sundberg Family
You have made lots of memories as a family. Remember them always. Prayers for you all. You know your wrestling family is here for you….. all you need to do is ask.
My deepest thoughts and prayers goes out the family
I am sorry for your loss and I am.send lots prayers
Josh is a great man he inspired me and loved his family ,you will be missed and always loved rest in heaven.
I Thank God for Josh, he kept my spirits up & give me great advice when my husband had heart transplant surgery. I never had the pleasure of meeting Josh face to face but when I had questions or concerns about the transplant he would get back to me & ease my mind. I thanked him before but I would like the family to know that he was very special to a wife of a transplant recipient!!! Rest in Heaven!
I knew Josh well in high school. We were in a lot of the same activities… he provided some needed “cool” to show choir! He was a thoughtful, generous friend.
I last saw him at our 30th class reunion – Liam’s Senior Night football game. He talked about both his boys and how blessed he felt to be their father.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.
I’m very sorry for your loss. I went to school with Josh and have many fond memories of him.
My condolences to the family. Josh had a joy for life, sense of humor, and generosity like no other. His love of music and Cleveland sports was unmatched. Peace to you now, friend!
I went to school with Josh and he always made me laugh. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I was privileged to have taught Josh in elementary art at Apple Creek. He was a kind, gifted student. I also enjoyed meeting his mother, Beverly on occasion. I also had Jessica in class & she was a great student ,as well. A lovely family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sending sincere sympathy,
Jenna Berg Waggoner, former elementary art teacher for South East Local