Donald James Mittner, 63, passed away at his home on March 18th, 2026.
Through the years, he had many nicknames and titles, lke Don, Donnie, Mitt, Coach and Councilman. However, above all things, the titles of husband and dad meant the most. He is survived his wife of almost 37 years, Aliene (Davidson), and his children, Lauren, Andrew (Jocelyn), and Alex. He was also a dog dad to his beloved Yuki and Millie, who were often seen walking him around town as he greeted his neighbors and friends. He was born on June 24th, 1963, a son of the late George and Theresa Mittner. In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his fathers-in-law, Richard Zinsser and Edmund Tabay, and his brother-in-law, Mark Davidson. He was raised in New Brighton alongside his siblings Denise (Larry) Adkins, David Mittner, and Diane (Adrianna) D’Addio. He was part of New Brighton’s Class of 1980. After graduating from Slippery Rock, he moved to Florida, where he began his teaching career. He soon returned to the New Brighton Area School District and taught in the elementary school until his retirement in 2025. He took joy in teaching, and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched over the decades. Students still lovingly tell his family about hearing Mr. Mittner’s voice boom around the open layout of the elementary school. For generations of children, the phrase “E-I-E-I-E-I-O” will forever be tied to the One O’clock Yell, which went silent when he retired. He spent decades walking the sidelines at Oak Hill Field, coaching the New Brighton Fighting Lions, first as the junior high coach and eventually becoming assistant head coach of the varsity team. He also served as a baseball coach for New Brighton. His commitment to community service didn’t stop with the schools. In 2025, he retired from the Bew Brighton Borough Council, where he served as Ward 4’s Councilman for 20 years. In addition, he served on New Brighton’s Recreation Committee and was the president of the New Brighton Memorial Day Association. When he wasn’t working, you could find Donald with a tool or a guitar in his hands. He was constantly tinkering with projects around his home. Recently, he returned to singing and songwriting, releasing songs on YouTube under the band name LYNX.
He is survived by his loving wife and children, his siblings, and his brothers-in-law, Scott (Kathy) Davidson and Joe (Dana) Tabay, and his sister-in-law Kelly (Norman) Hainer, along with numerous nieces and nephews who adored him.
Friends and family will be received on Sunday, March 22nd, from 12-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Monday, March 23rd at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton, with a procession to St. Joseph Cemetery, 1501 1st Avenue, New Brighton, will follow thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Brighton Gridiron Club, P.O. Box 396, New Brighton, PA, 15066.
